Eaton Corporation

Michael J Gust

Marvin L Bernstrom

Barun Acharya

A fluid pressure device including a housing ( ) defining a high pressure port ( ) and a low pressure port ( ). The housing defines a shuttle bore ( ) and disposed therein is a shuttle valve assembly ( ) including a shuttle spool ( ). The shuttle spool ( ) defines a fluid passage ( ) disposed to provide fluid communication from the low pressure chamber ( ) to the shuttle outlet port ( ) as the shuttle spool moves from its neutral position (FIG. ) to the end of its centered range of positions (FIG. ). The low pressure fluid from the chamber ( ) is communicated through the fluid passage ( ) and acts on a shuttle poppet member ( ), aiding the shuttle spool ( ) and its shoulder ( ) and unseating (opening) the poppet member ( ), thus reducing the fluid pressure in the high pressure chamber ( ) required to begin opening the shuttle valve assembly ( ). Thus, diversion of fluid, for cooling or lubrication, will occur over a greater range of device operating pressures, minimizing the chance for damage to system components.

Shuttle valve assembly and improved shifting thereof

A gerotor motor of the type having an end cap (13), and a stationary valve plate (15) disposed adjacent a rearward surface of the gerotor gear set (17). Adjacent a forward surface of the gerotor star (27) is a balancing plate assembly (19) including a radially outer balance plate (73) and a radially inner balance plate (75), the balance plates defining inner (77) and outer (79) profiles, respectively, which are closely spaced apart and are radially inward from the gerotor volume chambers (29) to provide sufficient sealing land. The inner balance plate (75) is biased toward the star end surface (81) by a Belleville washer (87). The end surface (81) of the gerotor star (27) defines individual star tooth surfaces (97), each of which includes a radial fluid passage (99) receiving system pressure, and a fluid passage (101) oriented generally perpendicular to the radial passage, and having a decreasing flow volume in a direction away from the radial passage (99). The fluid flowing through the perpendicular fluid passage (101) substantially reduces the tendency for galling to occur between the end surface of the star and the adjacent surface of the balance plate (75).

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Chanhassen, MN, United States of America

Michael J Gust