Feb. 16, 1954 O. H.

BANKER 2,669,330
HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR STEERING CLUTCHES
Filed Nov. 5, 1948
3. Sheets-Sheet

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INVENTOR.

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Feb. 16, 1954 O. H. BAN KER 2,669,330
HYDRAULIC CONTROL, FOR STEERING CLUTCHES
Filed Nov. 5, 1948 3. Sheets-Sheet 3

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 Patented Feb. 16, 1954
2,669,330

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

.. . . . . ????????? co!????o? STEERING
Oscar H. Banker, Evanston, Ill., assignor to New
Products
tion Corporation, Chicago, III., a corpora
of Delaware
Application November 5, 1948, serial No. 58,414
26: Claims. (Cl. 192-13) :
• ?" 1
lhe presentinvention pertains to an improved 2
hydraulically controlled, steering clutch mecha a pressure reduction valve of the foregoing type,
Ilism and to an improved valve for variably drop adapted to be manually controlled by aan opera
ping the hydraulic operating pressure to provide tor to effect the aforesaid gradual release of
for a variable torque, slip-drive operation of said pressuire, which valve is simple, sturdy and inex
smechanism. pensive in its parts, yet adapted for a long life
Conventional hydraulically controlled clutch of satisfactory operation with little or no atten
and related mechanisms which employ the prin tion or maintenance.
More specifically, it is an object of the inven
ciple of providing a variable hydraulic operating tion to provide a graduated pressure reduction
preSSure, operate on the theory of building up 10 valve including a valve housing adapted to be
the hydraulic pressure from a minimum to full
connected between a pump or like source of hy
line pressure...in the control 'cylinder of said mech -draulic
anism, to thereby accomplish a variable slip-drive pressure and a mechanism to be variably
through, the latter mechanism. In contrast to controlled by selective reduction of pressure op
this mode of operation, the operation of the pres 15 erative thereon, and a pair of coaxial, telescoped
ent mechanism, as preferentially embodied in a valve elements in said housing which are sub
Steering clutch for tractor type vehicles, is based to ject to pressure from said source and are adapted
-On the principle of effecting a graduated reduc be manually controlled in a fashion to pro
tion or dumping of the pressure effective on cer anism, saiddump
gressively hydraulic Tiquid from said mech
tain friction elements of the control mechanism 20 able relative :elements being automatically shift
tò one another under the influence
from normal, full, clutch-operating line pressure, of hydraulic pressure from said source acting in
in which a direct non-slip drive is accomplished, opposition to a predetermined spring load, being
to Zero, fully dumped pressure. In Said last Con
:dition said friction elements are operatively de amanually controlled by the operator to produce
:Coupled from one another. The pressure is grad (ondesired variable decrease in pressure effective
said mechanism.
ually diminished, by means of an improved vari Another. Specific object of the invention is to
table pressure reduction Valve under the manual provide a reduction valve including a pair of
control of an operator
degree of clutch slip.
to produce any desired valves and by-pass elements mounted for coaxial
My copending application Serial No. 778,382, 30 relative movement in a valve housing, one there
of being spring urged in its movements in oppo
'filed October 7, 1947, now Patent No. 2,580,381, sition to the pressure of hydraulic liquid from a
illustrates and describes a planetary type, driving
and steering mechanism for tractors = or like suitable source and the other thereof being man
'Crawler-type vehicles, characterized by the fact ually actuable by an operator in opposition to
that the degree of turn of the Vehicle on its 35 said pressure whereby to optionally expose or
endless tracks is controlled, as in the present close a by-pass path between said elements for
the graduated release and dumping of hydraulic
application, by the gradual release of the hy pressure as desired.
draulic liquid which is normally effective on a A still further object is to provide a hydrauli
:clutch of said mechanism from full line pressure cally controlled driving clutch assembly which is
:down to a zero pressure, fully dumped condition. 40 particularly well adapted for installation in end
The graduated pressure reduction valve, which less track laying vehicles to afford a wide range
constitutes the main subject matter of the pres of steering or turning radii, ranging from a very
ent invention is particularly well suited for ap gradual turn to a dead track turn or full pivot,
plication to a driving and steering mechanism
of this type. wherein a pair of like assemblies controlling the
45 respective tracks of the vehicle each includes an
... It is an object of the invention to provide a individual, variable pressure dropping control
friction driving or like mechanism of a type valve of the Sort referred to above, said valves
which is controlled in the operation thereof by being supplied by a common source of hydraulic
variably reducing the hydraulic pressure opera power and having improved means for render
tive on certain friction elements thereof, in com ing the operation of one thereof and its associated
bination with an improved, graduated pressure clutch assembly totally, independent of the op
reduction valve adapted to effect the desired,
gradual dumping of-the hydraulic control or eration of the other and its assembly, each of
operating liquid for the purpose referred to. said valves thereby acting as a pressure regu
& Another object of the invention is to provide 55 lator for insuring
respective; the intended operation of the
other. assembly.
 2,669,880 4 t
3 form of steering clutch for endless track ve
Another more specific object is to provide a hicles of the type referred to above, enabling a
hydraulically controlled, drum type steering Selective slip or non-slip frictional control of
clutch enploying an association of coaxially tele either track of the vehicle, it is to be understood
scoped driving and driven members in Which that Said valve is equally applicable to the driv
novel. Stiructural provisions are incorporated to ing and steering mechanism of the application
facilitate greatly the dismantling of the clutch above referred to, or to any other equivalent in
for servicing or the like, and subsequent re Stallation in which the regulation of a hydrau
assembly of the parts. lically controlled clutch or similar component is
Yet another object is to provide a construction O effected by a graduated reduction of the pres
of the foregoing type including a hydraulically Sure normally operative thereon.
operated friction clutch or like unit, a variable : Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the ref
pressure dropping control valve for said unit, erence numeral C generally designates a disk
and a brake operatively associated therewith, type steering clutch of the sort referred to
together with common operating provisions for above, it being understood that this structure is
said valve and brake whereby the valve is actu reproduced on the opposite side of the central
ated throughout its entire clutch pressure con driver for the assembly to be referred to. Corre
trolling range prior to operation of Said brake. sponding parts of said other clutch are desig
The foregoing statements are indicative in a nated by similar reference numerals, primed.
general way of the nature of the invention, but 20 This clutch includes an internal, drum-like driv
other and more specific objects will be apparent ing member which is drivingly secured to a,
to those skilled in the art upon a full understand Imain drive shaft 2 by means of a drive ring 3
ing of the construction and operation of the de bolted on said drum and keyed or Splined at 4
Wice. to said drive shaft. A retainer ring bolted to
Two specific embodiments of the invention are 25 shaft 2 holds said drive ring in proper position.
presented herein for purpose of exemplication, Shaft 2 is driven from a bevel gear 5 keyed on
but it will be appreciated that the invention is shaft 2, and suitable bearing provisions are
susceptible of incorporation in still other modi made for rotatably mounting the shaft and other
fied forms coming equally Within the Scope of components of the assembly in the housing 6
the appended claims. 30 of the structure.
In the drawings, The driving drum is provided with external,
Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view in vertical, axial elongated splines receiving the friction clutch
section through a hydraulically operated steer disks 3 in a non-rotative, axially slidable rela
ing clutch mechanism adapted to be variably tion thereto. Another set of clutch disks 9 is
controlled by a graduated pressure reduction 35 similarly splined at 20 on an external driven
valve, which valve is illustrated in elevation in drum 2 which is axially telescoped over the in
its operative, installed relation to said mecha ternal drum l. An annular abutment 22 is also
nism; drivingly engaged with the splines 28 and is re
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in vertical transverse Strained in the axial direction by means of a re
section through the valve structure illustrated 40 tainer Kring i 23 associated with drum 2 t in the
in Fig. 1, approximately along line 2-2 of the manner illustrated. A conventional brake band
latter, showing the parts in Zero pressure posi B Surrounds drum 2.
tion thereof; An annular pressure member 24 is Splined to
Fig. 3 is a somewhat enlarged view in section drum 2 at the opposite end of the clutch disk
similar to Fig. 2, illustrating the relationship of 45 assembly and is normally pressure urged to the
the component control elements of said valve in right, as illustrated in Fig. 1, to apply clutch
a different, manually controlled, intermediate engaging pressure on disks 8 and 9. An an
pressure position thereof; nular piston 25 is mounted for axial movement
Fig. 4 is a view in Vertical Section through al in an annular cylinder 26 which is defined by a
other pressure reduction valve in accordance shaped end plate 27 of the clutch drum assen
With a somewhat modified embodiment of the bly, said plate being bolted on the drum 2 for
invention; rotation therewith. Piston 25 is appropriately
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, somewhat convention sealed to retain hydraulic pressure in the cylin
alized, side elevational view, in vertical section der rearwardly thereof, as by means of a pair
through the clutch housing of the mechani Sm, of conventional, annular oil seals 28, and hy
illustrating the invention as applied in a pre draulic pressure is admitted to the cylinder
ferred en bodiment to a steering clutch ar through the inclined passages or ports 29 in plate
rangement foi a dual, endless track crawler-type 2. An annular, dished Belleville-type spring 30
vehicle;
Fig. 6 and
is a fragmentary top plan view of the 60 in normally urges the piston 25 to the left, as viewed
Fig. 1, the internal and external peripheries
Structure shown in Fig. 5. -
My copending application Serial No. 778,382 re of said spring being engageable with Said piston
ferred to above illustrates and describes a driv and with a retainer ring 31 which is fixedly as
ing and steering mechanism for endless track, sociated with the end plate 27.
crawler-type vehicles, which mechanism en Said end plate 27 is shaped to provide an an
bodies a disk-type clutch associated with a plane nular bearing recess 32 which receives a cylin
drical, hydraulic pressure distributor head 33
tary device. This clutch is controlled by the se fixed in the housing 6. This head is bored to
lective, graduated release of hydraulic liquid nor
rsially effective thereon, from a normal, full op provide a passage 34 through which hydraulic
erating line pressure to a zero pressure, fully 70 pressure liquid, such as a good grade of lubri
dumped condition, in which the clutch is fully cating oil, is supplied to the cylinder 26 by means
released. The present invention pertains, in one of port 29. Appropriate annular sealing rings
a Spect, to improvements in a valve adapted to 35 are disposed in parallel grooves on said head
effect Such a graduated pressure reduction. Al on either side of port 29 to prevent leakage of
though the valve is illustrated herein in a pre the liquid. A conventional oil seal 36 is applied
ferred dual installation controlling an improved 75
 '9869,830
5
to the pressure distributor head 33 between the -around its lower, extremity, as indicated at 66,
latter anda hub extension 37 of the shaped dræJm ifornOrnal, full pressure communication of liquid
'end-plate 27, to prevent leakage at this point. in
Said hub is appropriately secured in driving re borepassage 45.
56 with a radial port 67 opening to
Port 67 is in turn communicated by
lation to the driven shaft 38, which is mounted : the above described connecting conduit 4 with
by a ball bearing 39 in the interior of the hy the hydraulic distributor head 33, in the fashion
draulic head 33.
The passage 34 through which hydraulic pres ther described above and illustrated in Fig. 1. A fur
Sure is supplied to and voided from the clutch radial dump port 68 similarly connects the
bore .45 at a relatively elevated point therein with
cylinder 26 is communicated with the pressure O atmosphere
reduction valve of the present invention, gen for the liquidorwhich a suitable low pressure receiver
is dumped in the operation
erally designated 40, by means of a suitable pipe of the valve. The tubular
or other conduit. 4d, tapped in the hydraulic head includes an integral, upwardlyby-pass element 60
projecting, sleeve
33 in the fashion illustrated. The valve 40, is like stop portion 69 adapted for engagement with
Jaounted by an appropriate bracket 42 on a suit a depending skirt 70 on the plug 46 at the upper
"able Support, for example, the clutch housing 6, anost point in the axial travel of said by-pass
and this bracket may inchude a pair of outwardly -element 60.
extending, laterally spaced, fork-like pivot. arms In operation, let it be assumed that in the
"3 for a purpose to be described. position of the parts shown in Fig. 2, the valve
: Referring now particularly to Figs. 2 and 3,
wherein structural details of the valve : 4) are i0 is in fully dumped position, i.e., that hydraulic
pressure in the clutch control cylinder 26 has
illustrated, the latter includes a suitable cham been dropped to zero by dumping through the
bered and ported casing 44 fixedly mounted on
brackets. 42, which casing has an internal, sconduit .44, port 6, interior of by-pass element
axially extending, cylindrical bore 45. The upper 25 69, bore .45, and out the dump port 68. In this
position of the parts, the seat 54 of valve 53 is
end of Said bore is closed by a cylindrical plug positively
6 Secured therein by a snap ring 47. This plug 49 acting. On engaged with the seat 55, by bell crank
is in turn centrally apertured, or, bored for the -of pressure liquid the stem, 48, to shut off the Supply
slidable reception of an operating stem, 48, and bore 45. Accordingly, through inlet 5 to the valve
Said Stein is adapted to be manually actuated by 30 with dump port 68, through the conduit 4 is connected
the operator through a bell crank 49 which is seats 64, 62, to yoid the clutchthe space between
cylinder 26.
pivoted at 50 on the bracket arms 43. One arm If the operator, now fully releases bell crank
of this bell Crank acts as a tappet provided with 49, full hydraulic pressure of about 80 pounds
a roller. 5d engaging with the end of valve control per square inch is effective on check member 59
stem 48; the other arm is adapted to be Con to open communication of the pressure, source
nected by an element 52 with any suitable type with the passage 56, and said preSSure is effective
'of operator controlled, manual actuating lever, directly on the end of the valve element 53. Said
inkage or the like.
Control stem, 48 extends coaxially through the element is thus elevated to engage its seat 62
Valve bore 45 and is provided at its lower end against the seat 6 on by-pass element 63. The
40 pressure is simultaneously communicated
with a cylindrical, barrel-shaped, double-seated through port 67 and conduit 4 with the clutch
3valve element 53. This element is adapted to be cylinder 26, with the result that the clutch is
manually actuated downwardly for sealingen fully applied to positively lock the drums f, 2
gagena ent of the frusto-conical lower valve seat for rotation as a unit.
54 thereof with a correspondingly shaped seating While this is taking place, the two elements 53,
Surface 55 in the casing. Said Seat 55. is located 60 are urged as a unit upwardly against the
at the junction of bore 45 with an axially aligned, force of spring 63, said upward travel of the
Somewhat narrower hydraulic inlet, passage 56, elements 53, 60 being limited only by the engage
ihydraulic liquid being admitted to said inlet pas ment of the sleeve portion 69 of the latter with
sage through an inlet fitting 53 from a suitable the depending stop skirt 70 of plug 46. When
pump or other Source. A spring urged, cylin this takes place, the clutch 0 is fully engaged
drical check member 59 controls the flow of in its normal, hydraulically actuated condition,
fiuid through fitting, 5, yielding rearwardly against the force of Belleville spring 30.
tEnder full line preSSure to communicate said fit Assuming. now that it is desired to produce
ting with the passage 55. The spring loading of
the check member 59 is such that it will yield slight slip between the clutch disks, with an
under a full hydraulic line pressure of, say, 80 attendant proportionate relative rotation - of
ypounds per Square inch. drums it, 2, the bell crank 49 is actuated clock
A cylindrical sleeve-like by-pass control waive wise a predetermined amount to depress valve
element 60 is disposed Concentrically of the valve stem, 48, thereby cracking the elements 53, 60 at
element 53, being disposed in leak-proof sliding 5) the seats 6, '62, as illustrated in Fig. 3 in dotted
lines. A certain volume of hydraulic liquid is
relation to the valve bore" 45. : This by-pass elle immediately by-passed in the reverse direction
ment is provided with a conical valve seat 6
internally thereof and intermediate its length, from chamber 26 through conduit 4f, port 6,
for engagement with a corresporading conical the interior of the by-pass element 6), valve
seat 62 which is carried on the end of the wave seats is , 62, and dump port 38. The spring 63
telement 53 opposite its aforesaid Seat 54. The acts on by-pass valve element 60 with its maxi
by-pass valve element 60 is axially engaged above mum force at this time, but does not seal the
said seat by a coiled compression Spring 63 inor seat 6 of the element against the seat 62 of
mally urging the same in a direction to engage valve element 53, since the pressure of the
the aforesaid seats 6, 62, this spring abutting 70 hydraulic operating liquid through intake port
the plug 46 at its opposite end. or passage 56 opposes the spring, force, in
; he valve element 53 is axially housed within by-passing through the space between Valve
the by-pass element 60, beneath the seat 6d of seats 61, 62 to the dunap port. -68. Such passing
the latter and within an integral depending skirt bleeds, the full line pressure, thus maintaining
portion: 65thereof. This skirt portign is slotted the clutch engaging pressure, communicated
 2,669,3?? 8
7 The operation of this modified form generally
through port 6 E at the desired reduced value. follows the operation of the embodiment of Figs.
Spring 63 in effect variably meters or calibrates 2 and 3. Successive manual actuation of the
the venting of pressure between seats 6, 62 in Stem 82 results in unseating of the seating ring
accordance with its degree of compression. This 87 from the coacting seat 88, thereby dumping
condition obtains until the valve stem 48 is again hydraulic operating fluid through the conduit
actuated downwardly for a further pressure drop 4, port 7, opening 99, passage 85, and ports 8
Or, if desired, the beil crank 49 is released, en and 80. The attendant reduction in pressure is
abling line pressure to again elevate the ele immediately followed by spring urged re-seat
ments 53, S6 to whatever extent is desired. 0. ing of Said Seat 88 against the ring 87 to main
Sleeve-like by-pass element 6) floats in valve tain the reduced pressure. Release of the bell
bore 45, within relation to the valve element 53, crank 83 results in upward return of the ele
regulating the amount of intake pressure which ments 86 and 73 to their elevated, full line pres
is by-passed to dump port 68 and gradually re Sure position.
ducing clutch engaging pressure, as described 5 AS Stated above, the graduated pressure re
above, until it comes to rest against the lower lease valve of the present invention was specially
end of valve bore 45, at which time valve element devised for installation in association with a
53 seals off the intake pressure. At such time Steering clutch for an endless track or crawler
the space between seats 6, 62 is fully opened, type of tractor, characterized by dual power
and a zero clutch pressure condition is reached 20 shafts controlled independently of one another
by voiding from intake port 67 past those Seats to govern the driving and Steering of the tractor.
to dump port 68. Figs. 5. and 6 show an installation of this type.
The above described regulation of hydraulic It may be considered that the separately illus
pressure by manual operation to dump a desired trated housings 6, 6', disposed on opposite sides
pressure increment, followed by automatic Spring 25 of the central drive gear 5, enclose identical hy
re-sealing of the valve, affords a highly flexible draulically controlled clutch units such as the
and versatile control device operating on the unit 10 Shown in Fig. 1. These units serve to
principle of variable pressure reduction, as con control the variable slip drive of the respective
trasted with variable pressure increase. The output shafts to which the track bull pinions are
parts are exceedingly Simple, rugged aind Satis 30 connected. The arrangement is similar to that
factority operative over a long life of Service. illustrated and described in my copending appli
The rhodified embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4 cation Serial No. 778,382 identified above, in that
operates on the identical principle as the form the operation of the respective hydraulically con
described above. In this form, the tubular CaS trolled clutches is coordinated with the applica
ing is is connected with the mechanism to be tion of the brake band B to the outer clutch
controlled through a lateral inlet fitting in the drum 2. The sole difference is that in the pres
form of a boss which is appropriately bored and ent installation there is but a single operating
tapped for communication of the clutch cylinder lever and linkage assembly for each of the clutch
26 with the main valve bore 2. The tubular units. This is distinguished from the dual op
by-pass plunger 73 has an O-ring 14 disposed in 40 erating assembly required in the construction of
an annular groove therein to effect an abso said application due to the planetary character
lute, leak-proof seal between the Sane and the of the mechanism illustrated therein. By the
Wall of bore 2. Said tubular plunger 3 is urged same token, certain lost motion provisions in the
downwardly by means of a coil Spring 7 en Operating linkage are omitted in the present con
circling the reduced upper end portion thereof, trol structure shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
said spring bearing at its upper end against the The bell crank operating member designated
cylindrical plug 8 in the upper end of bore 72. 52 in Fig. 2 is represented in Fig. 5 as a connect
The uppar portion of the tubular member 73 ing rod which is pivoted to the bell crank 49.
serves as a pilot element, designated 9, which This rod is operatively connected, by means of a
is axially guided for sliding movement by said lost notion coupling 98, an encircling spring 97
plug 8. and a further rod 98 Secured to coupling 96, with
The reference numeral 83 designates the ele the free end of a toggle-type brake actuating arm
wated liquid dump port of the valve, which is 93. Said arm is in turn operatively connected to
brake band B by more or less standard provisions,
communicated with the interior of the tubular
plunger member 3 through aMemberport 8 in the re generally designated 09, in such manner that a
duced portion of the latter. 3 slidably 5 5 Counterclockwise actuation of arm 99 results in
receives the oparating stem 82 of the valve, which application of the brake band B to the outer con
is controiied at its upper end by a manually trol drum 2 í of the clutch unit í0. An actuating
operated bell crank 83. Stem 82 is reduced in link 0 is pivoted at its ends to arm 99 and to
diameter 3, 8: to provide a flow paSSage 85 be the manual control lever 2 to operate the brake
tween the stem and the element 3, through 60 arm 99 and the control valve 44.
The relationship of the above parts is such that
which liquid is voided by port 8 to the exterior
of member 3, thence to dump port 80. At its swinging of lever 92 in the counterclockwise di
lower extremity the stem 82 carries a cylindri rection, as viewed in Fig. 5, results in release and
cal valve element 86 having an annular seating upward retraction of waive control stem 48 of the
ring 8 applied thereto. Said ring is adapted for preSSure reduction valve 44, with the result that
sealing engagement with the lower annular valve full hydraulic line pressure is applied to the
seating Surface 88 on the element 3 immediately clutch unit 0 to engage the same and effect a
Surrounding the inlet to passage 85. By-pass direct drive connection from drum to drum
member 3 is normally Supported in its fully ex 2f and shaft 38. Under this condition, brake
tended position in the bore 2 by an annular 70 band free
B is fully withdrawn from drum 2 to alloy
rotation thereof, prior to engagement of the
skirt extension 88 engaging the bottorn of Said clutch. Upon manipulation of lever 92 in the
bore, said skirt extension being apertured at 90 opposite, clockwise direction, the aforesaid valve
for communication of the interior thereof with stem, 48 is depressed, the hydraulic pressure in
the clutch provided with a spring urged ball clutch cylinder 26 is reduced to an extent pro
75
check 92.
 portiorate to the amount of downward depres 10.
larlydisassembly,
sion of the stem, and the Belleville spring returns. ing with the matter of facilitating and expedit
ordismantling of the clutch sub-.
clutch pressure piston. 25 to proportionably re assembly from the driving and hydraulic con
duce the friction force on the clutch disks.
Accordingly, when the operator of the tractor trol of Sub-assemblies associated thereWith,
desires to make but a gradual turn, he rocks, to a 5 Such to details are illustrated in Fig.1 of the draw
slight degree in clockwise direction, the lever f02 ings, which attention is directed.
It. Will be noted that the internal splined clutch
which controls the side of the tractor toward
which the turn is to be made. Due to the normal flangedrum f is secured to an outwardly extending
radial clearance between brake band B. and the 5 of the driving ring 13, by means of
drum 2, the initial resulting movement of link 10 bolts F6, and that said drum is circumferential
ly recessed internally of its outer periphery at 7.
of, transmitted through rod. 98, coupling 96 and
rod 52, will slightly depress walve stem 48 with to provide an annular pilot shoulder which tele
Out: applying: the brake bands. This results in a scopes over said flange f5. The outer splined
partial dumping of hydraulic pressure by valve control dru in 2 is constructed separate from the:
44, in the manner' described above. The pres 15 thereof,
shaped, hydraulic cylinder-defining end plate: 27
sure is held at the diminished value due to re bolts f 8 being
seating of the element 80 against valve element
rigidly' clamped to said plate by
at-adjacentradial flanges of said drum.
53. Further depression of stem, 48 will further and end plate. Drum 2 is piloted on, an an
reduce the clutch pressure. Such pressure re nular shoulder 9 machined on the right-hand
duction in cylinder:26, small on-large, is propor-. 20 face of end plate: 27.
tionately reflected in the amount of slip between: When it is desired to remove the asseraioly of
clutch disks E8, 9, and rotation of outer drum. clutch drums , 2, abutment or backing plate
2. relative to the inner driving drum if of the 22, pressure member 24, and the clutch disks 8,
clutch O. Hence; since said outer drum is rigidly 9 from the unit, as for servicing, repair or re
connected to the output shaft. 38, a proportionate 25 placement of parts, this is simply and quickly
reduction in the speed of the latter" takes place: - performed in the following manner: The bolts,
If a dead track or full pivot turn is, desired, lever f 6 are removed and the internal drum. It is slid
O2 is fully actuated clockwise, to fully dump the to the left, as indicated in dotted-lines in Fig. 1,
pressure and to stop drum. 2.f. and the shaft 38 to: until its pilot shoulder fill is clear of the driving
which, it is: connected:, he aforesaid brake band 30 ring flange fl-5. Bolts fi8 are then removed and
clearance permits the clutch to be fully disen the outer drum 2 f is slid to the right to clear it.
gaged before the drum 2í is braked sufficiently to from the pilot shoulder if 9 of end plate 27, thus,
halt the same. When lever 02, is again manipu separating said drum from said end plate and
lated in the counterclockwise direction, the brake. further telescoping drums; fift and 2.l. relative to
band is released and the clutch variably re-en 35 one another. Assuming that the brake band B.
gaged depending upon the extent of the said. has been previously disassembled from the
manipulation of the lever, and resultant, pressure various levers, and links which operate the same
urged re-engagement of its disks, 8, 9. (shown in Fig. 5), the band.may then be utilized.
The provision of an efficient, check valve struc to lift. the clutch sub-assembly, including the
ture of the type: generally designated 59 in Figs. 2 40 parts enumerated above, out of the clutch cham
and 3 is of considerable importance in a steering ber of the housing 6. v S.
clutch installation of the type described, not only Following the intended repairs, this sub-as
to the extent: that it controls the individual op sembly is re-assembled by dropping it down into
erating characteristics of the valve of which it is the casing, piloting external drum. 2.f. on endplate
apart; but also because this, check in effect func 45 pilot shoulder ff.9, bolting said drum to the end
tions, as a pressure control and regulator for the plate, and piloting and bolting the internal drum
other valve 44 of the dual installation. and its on the driving ring flange 5. This last named
associated clutch. Inasmuch as the two pressure operation is facilitated by the provision of an
inlet fittings 57, 51' are connected to a common annular shoulder 20 on the right-hand external
source of hydraulic pressure, liquid, a voiding of 50 periphery of said drum, for the reception of a
the pressure in one clutch unit would tend to re Crowbar or like implement to assist in shifting:
sult in a reduction of the full line pressure in theº drumº toward the " right and over the " fiartage
tended to be effective on the other unit. These fl-5. These operations of removal and replace
check members are in addition to the normal mert of the clutch parts are accomplished With
regulator valve (not shown) through which the out disturbing either the hydraulic installation
system is supplied with hydraulic pressure from 55 to the left thereof or the driving components to
the pump or other source. the right.
In the form illustrated in Fig. 2, the check Referring to Fig.1, it will be noted than the an
valve 59 comprises an elongated cylindrical plug nular recessing of the hydraulic piston 25 at 25.
O5 which slidably fits the bore of inlet fitting 57,
said, plug being piloted in an integral cylindrical so 30,
affords, a chamber receiving the Belleville spring
and snap ring 3-f by which the latter is sup
extension f O6 offitting 57 which is received in a ported to acts on the piston. Thus the entire hy
cylindrical transverse bore 107 of the valve case draulic unit of the clutch is held in assembly
ing 44. The check member is urged to the left when the above described operations are per
by a coilsurrounding
spring spring fo8 ina rearwardly
said last named bore, said
extending pin 6 formed. A very desirable overall compactness of
structure is a further result.
109 on the check member and abutting a shoul Reference has been made to the provision of
der ff0 on the latter. The opposite end of said a lost motion feature in the connection of the
spring abuts an apertured retainer fff which is operating lever f02 and link. Of to the bell crank
secured to the housing.
In addition to the above features of improved to 49; as shown in Fig. 5. This feature is required.
when a valve 44 of the type illustrated in Fig. 2.
construction and operation of the above assem
bly... in a general or organizational sense, the is employed. Spring 97 of lost motion coupling
96 is of sufficient strength to transmit the neces
present invention presents various improved sary force to depress valve stem, 48 without con
specific structural features. These deal particu- 75 pressing. However, assuming that, due to brake
 2,669,380. 12
1. 3. A hydraulically controlled clutch construc
band wear, the band B has not been fully applied tion comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv
to drum 2 at the time the valve element 3 seats ing and driven members, clutch elements mount
at 55, further brake-applying movement of link ed in non-rotative relation to said respective
0 is made possible by the compressing of Spring members and adapted to be corn pressed to rota
97. Such lost motion provision is not necessary tively couple said members, said coupling vary
in the use of the valve shown in Fig. 4, for the ing as to relative rotative slip of Said members
plunger head 86 merely travels further in the in accordance With the force of Said axial Com
axial inlet bore of the valve in the event of Con pression, a hydraulically actuable member act
tinued depression of valve stem 82. - 10 ing on Said clutch elements to compress the Same,
It is imperative that in the fully seated posi a graduated pressure dump valve operable to re
tion of the valve element 53 of Fig. 2, the pres duce pressure on said hydraulically actuable
sure on the clutch be entirely voided. Therefore, member in Successive increments, during a given
the axial length of the skirt 65 of by-pass ele valve operating cycle, from a valve coupling said
ment 6) is made greater than that of the ele clutch elements in non-slip relation, a pressure
ment 58. This insures unseating of the by-pa:SS line communicating said valve With a Source of
surfaces 6, 62 under the condition noted above, hydraulic operating liquid, and a Spring urged
Which is shown in Fig. 2. With reference to the check member disposed in Said line between said
form of Fig. 4, the ring 87 is properly positioned Source and valve and opposing the pressure of
on plunger 86 for the same purpose of insuring 20 Said. Source, said valve comprising a hollow hous
an opening to the annular flow passage 85 when ing having an intake port communicating the
the member 86 is in inlet-closing position. interior thereof With said pressure line, a dis
I claim: charge port connunicating Said interior With
1. A hydraulically controlled clutch construc said hydraulically actuable member, and a dump
tion comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv 25 port communicating said interior with a low pres
ing and driven members, clutch elements Sure receiver, a, manually actuable Valve elle
mounted in non-rotative relation to Said respec ment shiftable in said housing interior to con
tive members and adapted to be co-pressed to trol liquid foW from Said line through said in
rotatively couple said members, Said coupling take port to Said interior, and a further Spring
varying as to relative rotative slip of Said men 30 urged valve element shiftable in Said housing With
bers in accordance with the force of Said axial relation to said first named valve element to con
compression, a hydraulically actuable rhenber trol liquid communication between said dis
acting on said clutch elements to compreSS the charge and dump ports.
same, a graduated pressure dump valve opera 4. A hydraulic pressure reduction control valve
tively connected with and operable to reduce pres 35 comprising a Valve housing having an internal.
sure on said hydraulically actuable member in bore, a preSSure inlet opening to said bore and
successive increments, during a given valve Oper a pair of outlet openings to said bore, one of
ating cycle, from a valve coupling said clutch ele Which is a high pressure port and the other of
ments in non-slip relation, and a pressure ine Which is a dump opening, a valve element dis
communicating said valve with a Source of hy 40 posed for sliding movement in said bore to seal
draulic operating liquid, said dump valve includi Said inlet opening from Said outlet openings, a,
ing coaxial, axially movable valve elements which pressure by-pass element coaxial With said valve
are axially exposed to the pressure in Said line, element and slidable in said bore, Said elements
at least one of said elements being urged axially defining therebetween an annular by-pass port
by said preSSure. located between said outlet openings, Spring
2. A hydraulically controlled clutch construc means normally urging Said elements in a direc
tion comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv tion to close said port, and manually Operable
ing and driven members, clutch elements mount means acting on one of Said elements in a direc
ed in non-rotative relation to said respective tion to open said port.
members and adapted to be compressed to rota 5. A hydraulic pressure reduction control valve
tively couple said members, said coupling varying 50 comprising a valve housing having an internal
as to relative rotative slip of Said members in bore, a pressure inlet opening to Said bore and a
accordance with the force of Said axial compreS pair of outlet openings to said bore, One of which
sion, a hydraulically actuable member acting on is a high pressure port and the other of which
said clutch elements to compress the Sane, a
graduated pressure dump valve operatively con 55 isslidinga dump opening, a valve element disposed for
movement in said bore to Seal Said inlet
nected With and operable to reduce preSSure. On opening from said outlet, openings, a preSSure by
said hydraulically actuable member in Successive pass element coaxial with Said valve element and
increments, during a given valve operating cycie, slidable in Said bore, Said elements defining
from a value coupling said clutch elements in 60 therebetween as annular by-pass port located
non-slip relation, and a pressure line communi between Said outlet openings, Spring means nor
cating said valve with a source of hydraulic Op nally urging said elements in a direction to close
erating liquid, said valve comprising a hollow said port, and manually Operable means acting
housing having an intake port communicating on One of said elementS in a direction to open
the interior thereof with said pressure line, a dis said port, Said last Iarned means urging Said
charge port communicating said interior With valve element in a direction to close said inlet
said hydraulically actuable members and a dump opening, said by-pass port being open When Said
port communicating said interior with a low pres valve element is in said last named position.
sure receiver, a manually actuable valve element 6. A graduated hydraulic pressure reduction
shiftable in said housing interior to control liquid control valve comprising a valve housing having
flow from said line through said intake port to 70 an internal bore, a preSSure outlet opening to
said interior, and a further Spring urged valve said bore, and a pair of outlet openings, One of
element shiftable in said housing with relation which is a high pressure port continunicating Said
to said first named valve element to control liquid bore With a device to be controlled and the other
communication between said discharge and dump 75 of which is a dump opening communicating Said
ports.
 13
a;669,880s
bore, with a low: pressure receivers an inlet valve: 4.
seat in said housing downstream from said inlet. valve, and bypass: elements being shiftable as a.
opening, a valve member slidably mounted in. unit away from said inlet Seat by preSSure, from
said housing bore for. engagement with and dis-. said source: when said actuating means is re
engagement from said seat to control said inlet, 5. leased
9. A hydraulic pressure reduction control valve.
opening, means to positively actuate said walve. comprising a valve housing having an axial bore,
member axially of said: bore toward: Said Seat, said
valve: member, saifting; away.from said seat. Länder. an axially disposed inlet, opening adapted to con
municate said bore. With a source of operating
pressure in said inlet opening following release, liquid under pressure and a pair of outlet open
of said last named i means, a by-pass: si member I. l0: ings, Spaced. axially from said inlet opening, one
slidable in said; bore in coaxial relation to said
valve member and defining an annular by-pass. of which is adapted to be communicated with a
path therebetween from: said inlet, opening to ismember to be controlled and the other of which
a low pressure dump opening, a manually actu
said dump opening, said valve and by-pass men-. able valve element shiftable axially, toward and
bers having-coacting annular seating surfaces-en- 15. adapted to seal said inlet opening, a tubular by
gageable to seal said path, and spring meansurg pass element in telescoped external relation to.
ing said seating surfaces in a direction for en Saidº valve. ellement, Said valve and by-paSS elle
gagement, said valve and by-pass elements bes. ments
ing-shiftable, as a unit away from said inlet seat port todefining therebetween an annular by-pass
by pressure in said inlet opening when said acri 20 anothersaid
tuating means is released.
bore and being engageable with one
to: close said port, Spring means urging
7. A graduated hydraulic pressure reduction Said bypass element in a direction for port seal
ing engagement with said valves element, said
control valve comprising a valve housing having controlled
an internal bore, an inlet opening adapted to com member outlet opening and dump out
municate said bore with a souree of operating 25. on let opening communicating freely with said bore
liquid under pressure, and a pair of outlet open of Said the respective downstream and upstream sides
ings normally communicating said bore respec from port, whereby to dunp operating liquid
tively with a device to be controlled and with a and dump said controlled member-through said port
low pressure receiver, an inlet valve seat in said opening when said elements are dis
housing downstream from said inlet opening, a 30 engaged. -

valve member slidably mounted in said housing valve. comprising a valve housing having control
10. A graduated pressure release and
an in
bore for engagement with and disengagement ternal chamber, an inlet opening to said cham
from said seat, means to positively actuate said ber adapted to be connected to a source of liquid
valve member axially of said bore toward and into under-pressure, a supply opening adapted to be
engagement with said seat, said valve disengag- 85. connected with a device to be controlled, and a
ing and shifting away from said seat under pres dump opening, said housing having a control port
sure from said source following release of said between said inlet, opening and supply opening,
last named means, a by-pass member slidable.in a pair of valve elements mounted for movement
said bore in coaxial relation to said valve mem-. relative to one another in said chamber, one of
ber, said valve and by-pass. members having co- 40 said valve elements being engageable and disen
acting seating surfaces adapted to engage to cut. gageable with said port to control the same, said.
off communication of said inlet opening with. elements being engageable and disengageable.
said bore and with said receiver outlet opening, with one another
and spring means urging said seating surfaces in thereof to open andupon said relative movement
close a dump path therebe
a direction for said engagement, said valve, and 45 tween
by-pass elements, being shiftable, as a unit, away opening,from said supply opening to said dump
means resiliently urging said valve ele
from said inlet seat by pressure from said source. mentS to close Said dump path, and manually op
when said actuating means is released. -
8. A graduated hydraulic pressure reduction, path. ???ie means actuating said elements to open said
control valve comprising a valve. housing having 50. 11. A graduated pressure release. and control
an internal bore, an inlet opening adapted to. Waye. Comprising a valve housing having an in
communicate said bore with a source: of operating ternal
liquid under pressure, and a pair of outlet open adaptedchamber, an inlet opening to Said chamber
to be connected to a source of liquid.
ings normally communicating said; bore respec under pressure, a Supply, opening adapted to be.
tively with a device to be controlled and with a low 55. connected,
pressure receiver, a spring urged check, member. dump with a device to be controlled, and a
opening, said inlet opening being in normal
operatively associated with said inlet opening to: communication
open the latter for communication with said bore. housing having awith said supply opening, said
control port between said in
only at full operating liquid pressure, an inlet let, opening and supply opening, a pair of valve'
valve seat in said housing downstream from said: 60, elements. mounted for movement relative.to. One
inlet opening, a, valve member slidably mounted. another-in said chamber, one of said valve ele
in said housing bore for engagement with and dis-, ments being. engageable and disengageable: with.
engagement, from said seat, means to positively. said port.to, control the same, said elements being:
actuate said valve member axially of said bore to engageable and disengageable, with one another
ward, and into engagement with said seat, said: 65. upon
valve, disengaging and shifting away from said, close asaid relative movement thereof to open; and
seat under pressure from said source following. opening,dump path therebetween from said supply.
to said dump, opening, means resiliently
release of said last named means, a by-pass mem urging, one of said valve elements in a direction,
ber slidable in said bore in coaxial relation to:
said valve member, said valve and by-pass men- 70 to close said dump path, and manually operable
means actuating the other of said elements in the
bers having coacting seating surfaces, adapted to: Same, directio?a to open Said path, Said other, elle
engage to cut off communication of said, inlet, ment being shiftable by said last; named, means:
opening with said bore and with said receiver out. to close:said inlet, opening.
let, opening, spring; means urging, said seating Slit 12. A, graduated pressure release and controli
faces in a, direction for: vid i engagementi. Saidi 75. Walye: comprising a valve housing having anirar:
 2,669,880,
15 16
sure line, a discharge port communicating Said
ternal chamber, an inlet opening to said cham interior with said hydraulically actuable member,
ber adapted to be connected to a source of liquid and a drump port communicating Said intake
under pressure, a supply opening adapted to be with a low pressure receiver, a manually actuable
Connected with a device to be controlled, anda, valve element shiftable axially in Said housing
dump opening, a pair of valve elementS mounted interior to control liquid flow from Said line
for movement relative to one another in said through said intake port to Said interior, and a
chamber, one of said valve-elements being engage further spring urged valve element shiftable
able and disengageable with said port to control axially in said housing into and out of engage
the same, said elements being engageable and dis O ment With said first named valve element to Con
engageable with one another upon said relative. trol liquid communication between said discharge
movement, thereof to open and close a dump path and dump ports.
therebetween from said supply opening to said 15. A hydraulically controlled clutch construc
dump opening, means resiliently urging said valve tion comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv
elements to close Said dump path, manually op ing and driven members, clutch elementS mount
erable means actuating said elements to open ed in non-rotative relation to Said respective
Said path, and a spring urged check member con members and adapted to be compressed to tro
trolling said inlet opening on the downstream side tatively couple said members, Said coupling vary
thereof. . ?? SSSSSSSSSSqqSqS
ing as to relative slip of said members in accord
13. A hydraulically controlled steering assem ance with the force of Said axial compression,
bly comprising a pair of coaxially arranged clutch a hydraulically actuable member acting on Said
constructions, each of said clutch constructions clutch elements to compress the Saine, a gradu
comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driving ated pressure dump valve operable to reduce
and driven members, clutch elements mounted pressure on said hydraulically actuable member
in - non-rotative relation to said respective mem in successive increments, during a given valve
berS and adapted to be compressed to rotatively operating cycle, from a valve coupling Said clutch
couple Said members, said coupling varying as to elements in non-slip relation, a pressure line
relative rotative Slip of Said members in accord communicating said valve with a Source of hy
ance With the force of said axial compression, a draulic operating liquid, and a spring urged check
hydraulically actuable member acting on said member disposed in Said line between Said Source
clutch elements to compress the same, a graduat and valves and opposing the preSSure of Said
ed preSSure dump valve operable to reduce pres source, said valve comprising a hollow housing
Sure. On Said hydraulically actuable member in having an intake port communicating the in
Successive increments, during a given valve oper terior thereof with said pressure line, a dis
ating cycle, from a valve coupling said clutch 35 charge port communicating Said interior With
elements in non-slip relation, a pressure line con said hydraulically actuable member, and a dump
municating said valve with a source of hydraulic port. Coramunicating said interior with a low
Operating liquid, and a spring urged check men pressure receiver, a manually actuable valve ele
ber disposed in Said line between said source ment i Shiftable aXially in Said houSing interior
and Vaive and opposing the pressure of said 40 to control liquid flow from said line through said
Source, Said valve comprising a hollow housing intake port to said interior, and a further Spring
having an intake port communicating the in urged valve element shiftable axially in Said
terior thereof With Said pressure line, a discharge housing into and out of engagement with said
port communicating Said interior with said hy first named valve element to control liquid con
draulically actuable member, and a dump port munication between Said discharge and dump
communicating said interior with a low pressure ports. -
receiver, a manually actuable valve element shift 16. A hydraulically controlled steering assem
able in Said housing interior to control liquid bly comprising a pair of coaxially arranged clutch
flow from said line through said intake port to constructions, each of said clutch constructions
Said interior, and a further Spring urged valve comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driving
element shiftable in said housing with relation 50 and driven members, clutch elements mounted in
to said first named valve element to control liquid non-rotative relation to Said respective members
communication between said discharge and dump and adapted to be compressed to rotatively couple
ports, the said Source with which the respective Said members, said coupling varying as to rela
preSSure lines continunicate being common to said tive slip of said members in accordance with the
pair of clutch constructions and the respective 55 force of Said axial compression, a hydraulically
rotatable driving members being drivingly con actuable member acting on Said clutch elements
nected to a common driving device. to compress the same, a graduated pressure dump
14. A hydraulically controlled clutch construc vaive i operable to Ireduce i pressure on said hy
tion comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv draulically actuable reroes' in Successive incre
ing and driven members, clutch elementS mount 60 ments, during a given valve operating cycle, from
ed in non-rotative relation to Said respective a valve coupling Said clutch elements in non-slip
members and adapted to be compressed to ro relation, a preSSure line communicating said
tatively couple said members, Said coupling vary valve with a Source of hydraulic operating iiquid,
ing as to relative rotative Slip of Said members and a Spring urged check member disposed in
in accordance with the force of Said axial con 65 Said line betWeen Said Source and valve and op
pression, a hydraulically actuable member acting posing the preSSure of Said Source, said valve
on said clutch elements to compress the same, a Comprising a hollow housing having an intake
graduated pressure dump valve operable to re port communicating the interior thereof with
duce pressure on said hydraulically actuable Said preSSure line, a discharge port communicat
member in Successive increments, during a given ing Said interior with said hydraulically actuable
valve operating cycle, from a valve coupling said 70
clutch elementS in non-slip relation, and a pres member, and a dump port communicating said
Sure iine communicating Said Valve With a Source interior with a low pressure receiver, a manually
of hydraulic operating liquid, Said valve compris actuable valve element shiftable axially in said
ing a hollow housing having an intake port com housing interior to control liquid flow from said
municating the interior thereof. With Said-pres 75 line through. Said intake port to said interior,
 2,669,330
17
and a further spring urged valve element shift liquid communication 18
between said discharge and
able axially in said housing into and out of f dump ports, and a spring acting on Said further
engagement with said first named valve element valve element to fioatingly oppose the pressure of
to control liquid communication between Said
discharge and dump ports, the Said Source With said source on said further valve element, which
which the respective pressure lines communicate said acts to urge the latter out of engagement with
being common to said pair of clutch construc first named valve element when said intake
tions and the respective rotatable diriWing Imel port is opened by said first named valve element.
bers being drivingly connected to a common 19. A hydraulically controlled steering assen
driving device. 10 bly comprising a pair of clutch constructions,
17. A hydraulically controlled clutch construc axial each of said clutch constructions comprising CO
tion, comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv relatively rotatable driving and driven
ing and driven members, clutch elements in non tion members, clutch elements in non-rotative rela
rotative relation to said respective members and to said respective members and adapted to
adapted to be compressed to rotatively couple 15 be compressed to rotatively couple said menbers,
said members, said coupling varying as to relative said coupling varying as to relative rotative slip
rotative slip of said members is accordiance With of said members in accordance with the force of
the force of said axial compression, a hydraulical said axial compression, a hydraulically actuable
ly actuable member acting On said clutch elle member acting on said clutch elements to con
ments to compress the Saine, a graduated pres 20 press the same, a graduated pressure dump valve
Sure dullnp valve operable to reduce pressure on operable to reduce pressure on said hydraulically
said hydraulically actuable member in Successive ing actuable member in successive increments, dur
increments, during a given valve operating cycle, a given valve operating cycle, from a valve
from a waive coupling said clutch elements in coupling said clutch elements in non-slip relation,
non-slip relation, and a pressure line communi 25 source a pressure line communicating said valve With a
casting Said Valve With a Source Cf hydraulic. Op of hydraulic operating liquid, and a Spring
erating iiquid, said valve comprising a hollow urged check member disposed in said line be
housing having an intake port communicating tween said source and valve and opposing the
the interior thereof With said pressüre ?ine, a dis pressure of said source, said valve comprising a
charge port connunicating said interior with 30 hollow housing having an intake port communi
said hydraulically actuable member, and a dump cating the interior thereof with said preSSure line,
port communicating said interior with a low preS a discharge port communicating said interior
Sure receiver, a manually actuable Valve element with Said hydraulically actuable member, and a
shiftable axialiy in said housing interior in a di dump port, communicating said interior with a
rection to close said intake port, a further Valve low pressure receiver, a manually actuable valve
element shiftable axially in said housing into and element shiftable axially in said housing interior
out of engagement with said first named valve in a direction to close said intake port, a further
element, to control liquid communication between valve element shiftable axially in said housing
said discharge and dump ports, and a spring act into and out of engagement With said first named
ing on said further valve element to illoatingly op 40 valve element to control liquid communication
pose the pressure of said source on Said further between said discharge and dump ports, and a
spring acting on said further valve element to
valve element, which acts to urge the latter out floatingiy
of engagement, with said first named valve ele oppose the pressure of Said source On
ment when Said intake port is opened by said said further valve element, which acts to urge the
first named valve element. latter out of engagement with said first named
18. A hydraulically controlled clutch construc valve element when said intake port is opened by
tion, comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv said first named waive element, the source with
ing and driven nembers, clutch elements in non which said respective pressure lines communi
cate being common to said pair of clutch con
rotative relation to said respective members and StructionS.
adapted to be compressed to rotatively couple
said members, said coupling varying as to relative 50 20. A hydraulically controlled steering assem
rotative slip of said members in accordance with bly comprising a pair of clutch constructions,
the force of said axial compression, a hydraulical each of said clutch constructions comprising co
axial rotatable driving and driven members,
ly actuable member acting On said clutch elle clutch elements in non-rotative relation to Said
ments to compress the same, a graduated pres
sure dump valve operable to reduce pressure. On respective members and adapted to be cont
said hydraulically actuable nember in successive pressed to rotatively couple said members, sail
increments, during a given valve operating cycle, coupling varying as to relative rotative slip of
from a waive coupling said clutch elements in non said members in accordance with the force of
slip relation, a pressure line communicating said 60 said axial compression, a hydraulically actuable
valve with a source of hydraulic operating liquid, member acting on said clutch elements to con
and a spring urged check member disposed in said operable press the same, a graduated pressure dump valve
line between said source and valve and opposing to reduce pressure on said hydraulically
the pressure of said source, said valve compris ing actuable member in successive increments, dur
ing a hollow housing having an intake port corn 65 a given valve operating cycle, from a valve
municating the interior thereof With said pres coupling said clutch elements in non-slip rela
sure line, a discharge port communicating Said tion, aa source pressure line communicating said valve
interior with said hydrauliically actuable mem awith of hydraulic operating liquid, and
ber, and a dump port communicating Said inte linespring urged check member disposed in said
between said Source and valve and opposing
rior with a low pressure receiver, a manually
actuable valve element shiftable axially in Said ing the pressure of Said source, Said valve compris
housing interior in a direction to close Said in municating a hollow housing having an intake port con
take port, a further valve element shiftable axial sure the interior thereof with said pres
ly in said housing into and out of engagement interior withdischarge
line, a port communicating said
said hydraulically actuable mem
with said first named valve element to control 75 ber, and a dump port communicating Said inte
 2,669,830 20
19. to prevent undesired dropping of pressure in the
rior with a low pressure receiver, a manually ac control device associated With the other Valve, a
tuable valve element shiftable axially in Said brake operatively associated With each of said
housing interior in a direction to close Said intake clutch unitS to retard the same, means for ac
port, a further valve element shiftable axially in
said housing into and out of engagelinent With 5 tuating Said brake, and COInnon lineans for a c
tuating the valve operating and brake actuating
said first named valve element to control liquid means of Said respective units in sequence.
communication between said discharge and dump 23. A hydraulically controlled clutch assembly
ports, and a spring acting on said further valve comprising a pair of like, coaxially disposed clutch
element to floatingly oppose the pressure of Said 0 units, a common driving member operatively, con
source on said further valve element, which acts Inected to Said units, Said units each including a
to urge the latter out of engagement. With Said hydraulic control device having a hydraulically
first named valve element when said intake port Operated member which normally acts to driv
is opened by said first named valve element, the ingly engage Said clutch unit, a common source
source with which said respective pressure lines 5 Of hydraulic Operating liquid for said control de
communicate being common to said pair of clutch Vices, a variable preSSure reduction valve inter
constructions and the respective rotatable driv posed between each of said units and said com
ing members being drivingly connected to a Con mon hydraulic Source, which valves control the
mon driving device. variable slip coupling effected by said respective
21. In a hydraulically controlled steering
clutch, a pair of like, coaxially disposed, rotative clutch units by graduated reduction over a Sub
Stantial range of the pressure applied thereon
clutch units, a common driving member opera froin Said Source, each of said valves comprising
tively connected to said units, said units each a housing having an inlet opening connected with
including a hydraulic control device having a hy
draulically operated member which normally acts 25 Said Source, a pair of outlet openings, one of
Which is Connected to the hydraulically operated
to drivingly engage Said clutch unit, a variable rheinber of the respective clutch unit, and the
pressure reduction valve for each of Said units, other of which functions as a low pressure dump
said waves being Supplied by a common Source Opening, a Valve element controlling said inlet
of hydraulic pressure liquid and being operative Opening, a by-paSS element engageable and dis
ly connected to said respective clutch control de engageable With Said valve element and adapted
vices whereby to normally impose a predeter to Cornmunicate said outlet openings with one
mined minimum operating pressure on said mem another When Said elements are disengaged,
ber thereof, operating means for each of Said Spring neains normally urging said elements for
valves to divert liquid from its respective control
device through said valve to a lower pressure to 35 engagement With one another, and means to op
erate said valve member to control said inlet
thereby release said respective associated clutch Opening, and a resiliently urged check member
unit, a spring urged check member associated asSociated With each of said pressure reduction
With each valve between the Sane and said source valves between the same and said common hy
and yieldable only under pressures at or above draulic Source, which check members are yield
said minimum operating pressure, whereby upon able at Or above minimum operating pressure for
operation of the associated valve to prevent un the respective hydraulic control devices, whereby
desired dropping of pressure in the control de upon Operation of one valve to prevent undesired
Vice associated with the other valve, a brake op dropping of preSSure in the control device associ
eratively associated with each of said clutch units atted. With the other Valve.
to retard the same, means for actuating said 24. A hydraulically controlled clutch assembly
brake, and common means for actuating the
valve operating and brake actuating means of Comprising a pair of coaxial driven members,
a Separate clutch unit drivingly connected to each
said respective units in sequence.
22. In a hydraulically controlled steering of Said members, a common driving member op
clutch, a pair of like, coaxially disposed rotative engageableconnected
eratively to said clutch units, a brake
With each of said members to retard
clutch units, a common driving member Opera 50 the Sane, said units each including a hydraulic
tively connected to Said units, said units each control device having a hydraulically operated
including a hydraulic control device having a member which normally acts to drivingly engage
hydraulically operated member which normally Said clutch unit, a, common source of hydraulic
acts to drivingly engage Said clutch unit, a Vari operating liquid for Said control devices, a vari
able pressure reduction valve for each of said able pressure reduction valve interposed between
units, said valves being Supplied by a common each of Said units and said common hydraulic
source of hydraulic pressure liquid and being op Source, each of Said valves comprising a housing
eratively connected to said respective clutch con having an inlet opening connected with said
trol devices whereby to normally impose a prede Source, a pair of outlet openings, one of which
terrained minimum operating pressure on Said 60 is connaected to the hydraulically operated mem
member thereof, each of said valves including a ber of the respective unit and the other of which
pair of coacting, relatively movable elements de functions as a low pressure dump opening, a waive
fining therebetween a liquid dump path from element controlling Said inlet opening, a by-pass
said associated control device to a low pressure 65 element engageable and disengageable with said
discharge, a spring resiliently urging said valve waive element and adapted to communicate said
elements in a direction to close Said path, and Outlet openings with one another when said ele
valve operating means to Open Said path, Where inents are disengaged, and Spring means normally
by to divert liquid from the associated control urging said elements for engagement with one
device to said low pressure discharge and there another, a resiliently urged check member associ
by release the associated clutch unit, a spring 70 atted. With each of said pressure reduction valves
urged check member associated with each valve between the same and said source, which check
between the same and said Source, Said check member is yieldably at or above minimum oper
member being yieldable only under pressures at ating pressuire for the respective hydraulic con
or above said minimum operating pressure,
whereby upon operation of the associated valve. trol devices, individual actuators for said respec
75
 2. 2.669.330
tive valve elements operative to control said re 22
spective valve inlet openings, and means to oper common Source and each of said dump valves to
ate Said respective actuators including means to yieldably oppose pressure supplied to the latter.
Operate Said respective brakes in Synchronized OSCAR, H. BANKER.
relation thereto.
25. A hydraulically controlled steering as References Cited in the file of this patent
Sembly including a pair of clutch constructions UNITED STATES PATENTS
each Comprising coaxial relatively rotatable driv Number Name Date
ing and driven members, clutch elements mount 382,643 Fox ---------------- May 8, 1888
ed in non-rotative relation to said respective 10 728,572 Hanson ------------ May 19, 1903
members and adapted to be compressed to rota 876,543 Hanson ----------- Jan. 14, 1908
tively couple said members, Said coupling vary 1298,956 Johnson ----------- Apr. 1, 1919
ing as to relative rotative slip of said members in 1566,111 Miller ------------- Dec. 15, 1925
accordance with the force of said axial com 1864,126 Ferris ------------ June 21, 1932
pression, a hydraulically actuable member act 5 1872,250 Coughtry --------- Aug. 16, 1932
ing on said clutch elements to compress the same, 1897,432 Klotzman ------ Feb. 14, 1933
a graduated pressure dump Valve operatively con 1910,084 Bixby -------------- May 23, 1933
nected with and Operable to reduce pressure on 1932,039 Hewitt ------------ Oct. 24, 1933
said hydraulically actuable member in successive 2,077.988 Cossey -------------- Apr. 20, 1937
increments, during a given valve operating cycle, 20 2,098,342 Knutzen ----------- Nov. 9, 1937
from a valve coupling said clutch elements in 2,151,153 Rode et al. --------- Mar. 21, 1939
non-slip relation, a common Source of hydraulic 2,191,669 ress ------------- Feb. 27, 1940
operating liquid for said clutch constructions, and 2,282,143 Carter -------------- May 5, 1942
a pressure line communicating Said dump valve 2,328,606 Boldt –------------ Sept. 7, 1943
with said source, Said dump valves each includ 25 2,412,436 Vanderzee ---------- Dec. 10, 1946
ing coaxial, axially movable valve elements which 2,437,670 Adamson ----------- Mar. 16, 1948
are axially exposed to the pressure in Said line, 2,501,706 Bent? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mar. 28, 1950
at least one of said elements of each dump valve FOREIGN PATENTS
being urged axially by said pressure. Number Country Date
26. A steering assembly in accordance with 30
24,189 Great Britain -------------- 1912
claim 25, in which a resiliently biased check valve 507.673 Germany ----------- Aug. 9, 1927
is provided in said pressure line between said 552,640 Germany ---------- May 26, 1932