Integrated hydraulic control system
View Patent ↗An integrated hydraulic control system includes a steering control unit and a priority flow divider integrated into a unitary casing. An interface fluidly couples the casing for the steering control unit and priority flow divider directly to a control valve casing. All hydraulic communication between the steering control unit, the priority flow divider, and the control valve are located inside the casings.
1. A hydraulic system, comprising:
a first control assembly; and
a second assembly combining a steering control unit with a priority flow divider, the second assembly having an interface that attaches directly to the first control assembly and fluidly interconnects the first assembly with the second assembly.
2. A hydraulic system according to claim 1 including a single external pump port that supplies hydraulic fluid to both the first assembly and the second assembly.
3. A hydraulic system according to claim 1 including an internal tank return channel directly coupled between the first and second assembly.
4. A hydraulic system according to claim 2 including a single external tank return port used by both the first and second assembly.
5. A hydraulic system according to claim 1 including internal flow channels in the second assembly that fluidly couple the priority flow divider with the steering control unit.
6. A hydraulic system according to claim 1 including a single unitary casing for containing the second assembly.
7. A hydraulic system according to claim 1 including one or more external fluid supply ports that supply hydraulic fluid to both the first assembly and the second assembly.
8. A hydraulic system according to claim 7 including one or more external tank return ports used by both the first and second assembly.