GB1314029A - Control modules - Google Patents

Abstract

1314029 Valves DOBSON PARK INDUSTRIES Ltd 16 Nov 1970 [15 Nov 1969] 56017/69 Heading F2V An apparatus comprises a universally pivoted pressure fluid actuated jib, and for controlling the jib, a control module comprising a plurality of control valves selectively operable by a common actuating member which is universally articulated by means of a universal coupling. As shown, the module comprises four piston type control valves 15 having inlet and outlet connections 13, 14, and operated by a tiltable cylinder 12 with a bottom plate mounted on a ball-and-socket joint 19 and engaging the control valve stems 16. The cylinder carriers an additional piston control valve 21 which is biased to a neutral position and has inlets and outlets 13a, 14a at opposite ends. The pistons control multiple ports 13b which are plugged at their exterior ends and connected to the inlets and outlets. The additional piston valve 21 is operated manually by a rod having a hand knob 23. This handle also controls tilting of the cylinder to operate the valves 15. The module is incorporated in a system, Figs. 2 and 3 (not shown), for controlling a universally pivoted jib, e.g. of a rock breaking tool, in bearing and elevation and for extension and retraction of the jib. Preferably the latter movements are controlled by the push-pull motion of the handle 2. The module may incorporate a rotary valve for controlling the angular disposition of the jib, to make the operation easier and errors less likely. In a modification, the end of the handle remote from the knob forms the outer member (48) of an axially adjustable ball-and-socket joint, and is coupled directly to a number of valves through radial pins (47), Fig. 5 (not shown), engaged in holes (49) in the valve operating members (50).