HYDRAULIC POWER MODULE

Abstract

The hydraulic power module 10 consists of 1) a hydraulic manifold 12 to route hydraulic fluid to the correct areas, 2) a hydraulic reservoir 14 that contains hydraulic fluid 16,3) a hydraulic pump 18,4) a DC servo motor 20,5) a directional valve 22,6) a cooling system 24 7) an integrated filter housing 26 and 8) electronics—motor control 28 for controlling the DC servo motor 20.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 61/229,298, filed Jul. 29. 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

Hydraulic power modules for controlling fluid dispensing and other apparatus are well known.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to create a hydraulic power module that will drastically improve control, increase mechanical life, use a simplified design, reduce power consumption, reduce cooling requirements and reduce noise levels.

The hydraulic power module of the instant invention consists of 1) a hydraulic manifold to route hydraulic fluid to the correct areas, 2) a hydraulic reservoir that contains hydraulic fluid, 3) a hydraulic pump, 4) a DC servo motor, 5) a directional valve, 6) a cooling system and 7) an integrated filter housing 8) electronics—motor control for controlling the DC servo motor.

The hydraulic power module (HPM) works to supply hydraulic fluid to run a variety of configurations of hydraulic cylinder(s). The DC servo motor is directly coupled to the hydraulic pump via a hydraulic manifold. When the motor is spinning, the pump directs hydraulic fluid through the manifold, to the directional valve. The HPM signals the directional valve to divert flow to either side of a hydraulic cylinder. The HPM, in conjunction with a sensor (example: flow meter in the fluid line, a linear transducer associated with the hydraulic cylinder, etc.), provides hydraulic fluid at such a rate to accurately control the velocity of a piston in a hydraulic cylinder. It can also hold the position of the hydraulic cylinder piston stationary against an opposing force. This results in an accurate flow rate or constant dynamic and static pressures.

There are a number of advantages to the system of the instant invention such as dramatic increases in control by using a DC servo motor and motor controller. Another result is improved system mechanical life in that when no flow is required, all parts stop moving which can result in less wear.

The invention reduces hydraulic cooling requirements by allowing flow to stop when no flow is required.

The invention results in a simplified mechanical design compared to traditional AC power pack systems. The dynamic response of the HPM eliminates the need for accumulators.

The HPM control allows for full torque output at zero speed. This allows the system to respond almost instantly to requests for flow (no delay while pressure builds.)

The dynamic response of the HPM allows for compensation of system variations allowing the hydraulic power module to produce a more constant pressure and/or flow than traditional AC technology. The HPM control allows for changes in pressure and flow without any mechanical adjustment (pressure compensated pumps, dump valves, etc.) The HPM controls the motor torque, speed and position where a typical AC power pack only controls speed resulting in improved control.

Noise levels are lower than traditional AC power pack designs. The design and control lend itself to reduced power consumption. The system will only use energy on an as needed basis. Closed loop flow control based on a linear transducer provides equivalent control at a lower cost point. The algorithm will work with any hydraulic pump. When new pressure and/or flow are required, simply replace the pump.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the HPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the HPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 3 shows a view with the reservoir removed showing the pump of the HPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the HPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the fluid circuit of the HPM of the instant invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The hydraulic power module 10 of the instant invention consists of 1) a hydraulic manifold 12 to route hydraulic fluid to the correct areas, 2) a hydraulic reservoir 14 that contains hydraulic fluid 16, 3) a hydraulic pump 18, 4) a DC servo motor 20, 5) a directional valve 22, 6) a cooling system 24 7) an integrated filter housing 26 and 8) electronics—motor control 28 for controlling the DC servo motor 20.

The hydraulic power module (HPM) 10 works to supply hydraulic fluid 16 to run a variety of configurations of hydraulic cylinder(s) 30. The DC servo motor 20 is directly coupled to the hydraulic pump 18 via a hydraulic manifold 12. When the motor 20 is spinning, the pump 18 directs hydraulic fluid 16 through the manifold 12, to the directional valve 22. The HPM 10 signals the directional valve 22 to divert flow to either side of a hydraulic cylinder 30. The HPM 10, in conjunction with a sensor 32 (example: flow meter in the fluid line, a linear transducer 34 associated with the hydraulic cylinder, etc.), provides hydraulic fluid 16 at such a rate to accurately control the velocity of a piston in a hydraulic cylinder 30. It can also hold the position of the hydraulic cylinder 30 piston stationary against an opposing force. This results in an accurate flow rate or constant dynamic and static pressures.

It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made to the hydraulic power module without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. The hydraulic power module for controlling at least one hydraulic cylinder, said hydraulic cylinder comprising:

a hydraulic manifold to route hydraulic fluid;

a hydraulic reservoir for containing hydraulic fluid;

a hydraulic pump;

a DC servo motor;

a directional valve;

a cooling system; and

a motor control for controlling said DC servo motor.

2. The hydraulic power module of claim 1 and further comprising an integrated filter housing.

3. The hydraulic power module of claim 1 wherein motor control is capable of holding pressure under conditions of no flow without rotation of said motor.