Abstract
The IMV is a combination of four two-way valve systems which replace a conventional four-way spool valve to improve efficiency mostly in excavator hydraulics. As the environmental regulations for construction equipment have tightened, some overseas advanced companies have released commercial excavators in which the MCV is implemented with the IMVs. Development of the IMV type MCV relies on the control algorithm as well as the robust performance of proportional flow control valves. In this study, the IMV controller was designed and verified with experiments for the excavator working unit, which determines the IMV mode of operation and the extent of the valve opening in consideration of the load conditions on hydraulic actuators. First, the open-loop controller was designed with a joystick command vs. a PSV reference current map comprising several control parameters in to compensate for the different flow characteristics and non-linearities of two-way flow control valves. Second, the closed-loop controller was designed with the PI control fed by the actuator displacement and outputs actuator percent effort equivalent to the operator's joystick command. Finally, the performance of the IMV type MCV was verified with the trajectory control of position references derived from the energy consumption test standard. Experimental results showed the control performance of the IMV developed in this study, and suggest that future studies to be conducted to advance technical progress.