Miniature hydraulic station and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The application provides a micro hydraulic station and a working method thereof, and relates to the technical field of hydraulic pressure, which comprises upper and lower integrated blocks connected with each other, a cavity connected with an oil tank is formed in the upper and lower integrated blocks after assembly, a hydraulic plunger pump is installed on the upper surface of the upper integrated block, the pump body is embedded into the upper integrated block, the pump body has a pump oil discharge port, a pump oil outlet port and a pump oil suction port from top to bottom, the pump oil suction port is communicated with the cavity in the integrated block, the pump oil outlet port of the hydraulic plunger pump is connected with a high-pressure connector through a pump oil outlet channel and a high-pressure channel, the pump oil discharge port is communicated with the cavity in the integrated block through a discharge channel, the high-pressure channel is communicated with the discharge channel through a relief valve and communicated with an unloading channel through an electromagnetic valve, and the unloading channel is communicated with the cavity in the integrated block, the hydraulic station is changed into the upper and lower integrated blocks, circulation and flow of high and low pressure hydraulic oil between several parts are realized through four channels, and power safety and efficient supply are ensured while miniaturization is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydraulic technology, and in particular relates to a miniature hydraulic station and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Compared with electric and pneumatic drives, hydraulic drives can output greater force and are widely used in various mechanical equipment such as excavators, loaders, cranes, presses, and forklifts. In equipment using hydraulic drives, a hydraulic pump driven by an internal combustion engine or electric motor must provide hydraulic energy to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic power station and other hydraulic energy systems consist of an internal combustion engine or electric motor, a hydraulic pump, an oil tank, a filter, hydraulic valves, hydraulic pipelines, and hydraulic oil. It supplies oil according to the flow direction, pressure, and flow rate required by the drive device and is suitable for various machines where the drive device and the hydraulic power station are separate. By connecting the hydraulic power station to the drive device (cylinder or motor) with oil pipes, the hydraulic actuator can perform various specified actions.

[0004] Traditional hydraulic power units are large in size and weight, making them unsuitable for lightweight hydraulic equipment with strict weight requirements, such as hydraulically driven legged robots, hydraulically assisted exoskeletons, and mobile hydraulic robotic arms for bomb disposal and rescue.

[0005] Therefore, how to miniaturize hydraulic power units and apply them to lightweight hydraulic equipment while ensuring normal oil flow, reducing energy loss, and achieving safe and efficient power supply is a topic worthy of research. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a miniature hydraulic station and its working method. The hydraulic station, except for the motor and oil tank, is modified into an upper integrated block and a lower integrated block. High and low pressure hydraulic oil is circulated between the oil tank, the hydraulic piston pump and the hydraulic actuator through four channels. While miniaturizing, energy loss is reduced, and a safe and efficient power supply is ensured.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0008] The first aspect of this invention provides a miniature hydraulic power unit;

[0009] A miniature hydraulic power unit includes an upper integrated block and a lower integrated block connected vertically.

[0010] After the upper and lower integrated blocks are assembled, they form a cavity that is connected to the oil tank.

[0011] A hydraulic plunger pump is installed on the upper surface of the upper integrated block. The pump body is embedded inside the upper integrated block. The pump body has a pump drain port, a pump outlet port and a pump suction port from top to bottom. The pump suction port is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block.

[0012] The pump outlet of the hydraulic plunger pump is connected to the high-pressure connector through the pump outlet channel and the high-pressure channel; the pump drain port is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the drain channel.

[0013] The high-pressure channel is connected to the oil drain channel via an overflow valve and to the unloading channel via a solenoid valve. The unloading channel is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block.

[0014] Furthermore, a return oil connector is installed on the side of the lower integrated block, through which hydraulic oil returning from the hydraulic actuator enters the internal cavity of the integrated block.

[0015] Furthermore, the oil tank is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block through an oil tank through hole, and together they serve as the storage space for hydraulic oil.

[0016] Furthermore, the pump body of the hydraulic piston pump has multiple pump outlet ports in the middle narrowed section, multiple pump drain ports in the upper narrowed section, and the pump suction port is at the end of the pump body.

[0017] The plurality of pump outlets are connected to the pump outlet channel through a first annular cavity formed by a reduced diameter portion;

[0018] The plurality of pump drain ports are connected to the drain channel through a second annular cavity formed by the reduced diameter portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the electric motor is mounted on the upper surface of the upper integrated block via a motor bracket, and the electric motor and the hydraulic plunger pump transmit torque through the surface connection between the flat shaft hole and the flat shaft.

[0020] Furthermore, the pump outlet is connected to the pump outlet channel, a one-way valve is installed in the middle of the pump outlet channel, the rear end of the one-way valve is connected to the high-pressure channel, the end of the pump outlet channel is blocked with a first screw plug, the high-pressure channel is a blind hole, and a high-pressure connector is installed at its outlet.

[0021] Furthermore, the oil inlet of the overflow valve is connected to the high-pressure channel, and the oil outlet is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the oil drain channel.

[0022] Furthermore, the oil inlet of the solenoid valve is connected to the high-pressure channel, and the oil outlet is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the unloading channel.

[0023] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating a miniature hydraulic station.

[0024] A method for operating a miniature hydraulic power unit, based on the aforementioned miniature hydraulic power unit, includes the following steps:

[0025] Connect the hydraulic actuator correctly to the miniature hydraulic power unit and ensure that the oil tank has sufficient hydraulic oil;

[0026] When the electric motor is started, the hydraulic plunger pump draws hydraulic oil from the internal cavity of the integrated block through the pump suction port, entering the working state. During operation, there are four circulations of hydraulic oil:

[0027] (1) The high-pressure oil output from the pump outlet of the hydraulic piston pump goes through the pump outlet channel, high-pressure channel, and high-pressure connector to the hydraulic actuator. The low-pressure oil returning from the hydraulic actuator enters the internal cavity of the integrated block through the return oil connector.

[0028] (2) The hydraulic oil leaking inside the hydraulic plunger pump body returns to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the pump drain port and drain channel.

[0029] (3) The amount of hydraulic oil supplied by the hydraulic piston pump to the hydraulic actuator is controlled by the relief valve. When the hydraulic oil supplied by the hydraulic piston pump is more than the demand of the hydraulic actuator, the excess hydraulic oil in the high pressure channel is returned to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the relief valve and the drain channel.

[0030] (4) When it is necessary to suspend the supply of hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic oil on the high-pressure channel is returned directly to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the unloading channel by operating the solenoid valve, and no longer flows to the hydraulic actuator.

[0031] Furthermore, correctly connecting the hydraulic actuator to the micro hydraulic station means connecting the high-pressure circuit of the hydraulic actuator to the high-pressure connector and the low-pressure circuit to the return oil connector.

[0032] A third aspect of the present invention provides a hydraulic system, including a miniature hydraulic station, a hydraulic actuator, a control unit, and hydraulic oil as described in Embodiment 1; the control unit controls the flow of hydraulic oil between the miniature hydraulic station and the hydraulic actuator to achieve power supply.

[0033] The above one or more technical solutions have the following beneficial effects:

[0034] The present invention discloses a miniature hydraulic station, which modifies the hydraulic station except for the motor and oil tank into an upper integrated block and a lower integrated block. Through four channels, high and low pressure hydraulic oil is circulated between the oil tank, the hydraulic plunger pump and the hydraulic actuator. While miniaturizing, energy loss is reduced and power supply is ensured to be safe and efficient.

[0035] The high-pressure channel, connected to the oil drain channel via the relief valve, can return excess hydraulic oil to the oil tank, reducing unnecessary hydraulic oil supply and lowering energy loss. The high-pressure channel can also return the hydraulic oil in the high-pressure channel directly to the oil tank via the unloading channel connected to the solenoid valve, thus stopping the supply to the hydraulic actuator. This is equivalent to suspending the hydraulic oil supply, which reduces equipment wear caused by repeated motor starts and stops compared to the existing method of suspending power supply by shutting down the motor.

[0036] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance structure of the first embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first embodiment;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a partial longitudinal section of the first embodiment;

[0042] In the diagram: 1. Electric motor, 2. Solenoid valve, 3. Upper integrated block, 4. Lower integrated block, 5. Oil tank base, 6. Oil tank cylinder, 7. Tie rod, 8. Nut, 9. Oil tank cover, 10. Air filter, 11. Hydraulic piston pump, 12. First sealing ring, 13. Second sealing ring, 14. Third sealing ring, 15. First screw plug, 16. Check valve, 17. Second screw plug, 18. Relief valve, 19. Pressure sensor, 20. Return oil connector, 21. First combined gasket, 22. High pressure connector, 23. Second combined gasket, 24. Motor bracket, 25. Pump suction port, 26. Pump drain port, 27. Pump outlet port, 28. First annular cavity, 29. Second annular cavity, 30. Internal cavity of integrated block, 31. Third screw plug, A1. Drain channel, A2. Pump outlet channel, A3. High pressure channel, A4. Unloading channel, A5. Oil tank through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0044] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0045] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] This embodiment discloses a miniature hydraulic power unit;

[0048] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a miniature hydraulic station mainly consists of an electric motor 1, an upper integrated block 3, a lower integrated block 4, a hydraulic piston pump 11, a safety valve 18, and an oil tank.

[0049] The lower surface of the upper integrated block 3 is machined with a groove that is closed along the periphery, and a first sealing ring 12 is installed in the groove for connecting the lower integrated block 4. After the upper and lower integrated blocks are assembled, an internal cavity 30 of the integrated block is formed inside, which is connected to the oil tank and is used to store hydraulic oil. The upper surface of the upper integrated block 3 is machined with a boss that is coaxial with the mounting hole of the hydraulic plunger pump 11 for mounting the motor 1.

[0050] The upper integrated block 3 is equipped with a hydraulic piston pump 11, an overflow valve 18, a solenoid valve 2, a pressure sensor 19, a check valve 16, and multiple channels for high and low pressure hydraulic oil to flow through; the channels include an oil drain channel A1, a pump outlet channel A2, a high pressure channel A3, and an unloading channel A4.

[0051] The hydraulic plunger pump 11 is fixed in the seat hole on the upper surface of the upper integrated block with screws. The pump body is embedded in the upper integrated block. The end of the pump body is the pump suction port 25, which is connected to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block.

[0052] like Figure 2-3As shown, the hydraulic plunger pump 11 has multiple pump outlet ports 27 in the middle diameter-reduced section of the pump body. The multiple pump outlet ports 27 are connected to the pump outlet channel A2 through the first annular cavity 28 formed by the diameter-reduced section. A one-way valve 16 is installed in the middle of the pump outlet channel A2. That is, the front end of the one-way valve 16 is connected to the pump outlet channel A2, and the rear end of the one-way valve 16 is connected to the high pressure channel A3. The end of the pump outlet channel A2 is blocked by the first screw plug 15. The high pressure channel A3 is a blind hole, and a high pressure connector 22 is installed at its outlet. The high pressure connector 22 is sealed with the upper integrated block 3 by the second combination gasket 23.

[0053] The high-pressure channel A3 is connected to the oil drain channel A1 through the overflow valve 18. The overflow valve 18 is installed in the seat hole of the upper integrated block 3 by thread. The oil inlet of the overflow valve 18 is connected to the high-pressure channel A3, and the oil outlet of the overflow valve 18 is connected to the oil drain channel A1.

[0054] One end of the drain channel A1 is blocked with the second screw plug 17, and the other end is connected to the oil outlet of the relief valve 18, then passes through the second annular cavity 29 and connects to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block; the second annular cavity 29 is formed by the reduced diameter of the upper part of the hydraulic plunger pump 11, and the reduced diameter of the upper part of the pump body has multiple pump drain ports 26; the hydraulic oil leaking inside the hydraulic plunger pump body returns to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block through the pump drain ports 26, the second annular cavity 29, and the drain channel A1.

[0055] The high-pressure channel A3 is connected to the unloading channel A4 through the solenoid valve 2. The unloading channel A4 is connected to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block. One end of the unloading channel A4 is blocked by the third screw plug 31, and the other end is connected to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block. The solenoid valve 2 is installed in the seat hole of the upper integrated block 3 by threads. The oil inlet of the solenoid valve 2 is connected to the high-pressure channel A3, and the oil outlet is connected to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block through the unloading channel A4.

[0056] A pressure sensor 19 is also installed on the high-pressure channel A3. The pressure sensor 19 is installed in the seat hole of the upper integrated block 3 by thread, and the pressure detection end of the pressure sensor 19 is connected to the high-pressure channel A3.

[0057] The upper surface of the lower assembly block 4 is machined with a protrusion that is closed along the periphery. The groove of the upper assembly block 3 and the protrusion of the lower assembly block 4 are matched and sealed by the first sealing ring 12. The two assembly blocks are fastened together by multiple screws. The internal cavity 30 of the assembly block is connected to the internal cavity of the oil tank in the lower assembly block 4 through the oil tank through hole A5, and together they serve as the storage space for hydraulic oil. A return oil connector 20 is installed on the side of the lower assembly block 4. The return oil connector 20 and the lower assembly block 4 are sealed by the first combination gasket 21. The return oil connector 20 is connected to the internal cavity 30 of the assembly block.

[0058] The fuel tank is mainly composed of a fuel tank base 5, a fuel tank cylinder 6, a fuel tank cover 9, and an air filter 10. The upper end of the fuel tank base 5 and the lower end of the fuel tank cover 9 are provided with circular steps that mate with the inner wall of the fuel tank cylinder 6 and grooves for installing sealing rings. A second sealing ring 13 is installed in the groove. The fuel tank base 5 and the fuel tank cover 9 are connected by multiple tie rods 7 and nuts 8. The top of the fuel tank cover 9 is machined with a threaded hole and an air filter 10 is installed to prevent particulate matter from entering the internal space of the fuel tank. The side of the fuel tank base 5 is machined with a fuel tank through hole A5 that communicates with the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block. The fuel tank base 5 is installed at one end of the lower integrated block 4 by screws. The fuel tank base 5 and the lower integrated block 4 are sealed by a third sealing ring 14.

[0059] The motor 1 is mounted on the upper surface of the upper integrated block 3 via the motor bracket 24. The output shaft flange of the motor 1 and the boss on the upper surface of the upper integrated block 3 ensure that the spindle of the motor 1 and the hydraulic plunger pump 11 are aligned. The input shaft of the hydraulic plunger pump 11 is a flat shaft. The output shaft of the motor 1 is machined with a flat shaft hole that matches the flat shaft of the hydraulic plunger pump 11. The motor 1 and the hydraulic plunger pump 11 transmit torque through the connection between the flat shaft hole and the profile of the flat shaft.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] This embodiment discloses a working method for a miniature hydraulic power station. Based on the miniature hydraulic power station described in Embodiment 1, the working method includes:

[0062] Step S1: Connect the hydraulic actuator to the miniature hydraulic power unit correctly and ensure that the hydraulic oil in the tank is sufficient;

[0063] Connect the high-pressure connector 22 and return oil connector 20 of the micro hydraulic station to the high-pressure and low-pressure circuits of the hydraulic actuator, respectively, and ensure that the connection is correct. Check whether the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil tank is sufficient. After the starting conditions are met, the motor 1 can be started.

[0064] Step S2: Start motor 1 and check whether the rotation direction of motor 1 is consistent with the required rotation direction of hydraulic piston pump 11. Hydraulic piston pump 11 draws hydraulic oil from the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block through pump suction port 25 and enters the working state. During the working process, there are four circulations of hydraulic oil:

[0065] (1) The high-pressure oil output from the pump outlet 27 of the hydraulic piston pump 11 passes through the pump outlet channel A2, check valve 16, high-pressure channel A3, and high-pressure connector 22 to the hydraulic actuator. The low-pressure oil returning from the hydraulic actuator enters the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block through the return oil connector 20.

[0066] (2) The hydraulic oil leaking inside the pump body of the hydraulic piston pump 11 returns to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block through the pump drain port 26 and the drain channel A1.

[0067] (3) The hydraulic oil supplied by the hydraulic piston pump 11 to the hydraulic actuator is controlled by the overflow valve 18. When the hydraulic oil supplied by the hydraulic piston pump 11 is more than the demand of the hydraulic actuator, the excess hydraulic oil on the high pressure channel A3 is returned to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block through the overflow valve 18 and the drain channel A1 to reduce unnecessary hydraulic oil supply and reduce energy loss.

[0068] (4) When it is necessary to suspend the supply of hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic oil on the high pressure channel A3 is returned directly to the internal cavity 30 of the integrated block through the unloading channel A4 by operating the solenoid valve 2, and no longer flows to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic oil supply is suspended. Compared with the existing method of suspending the power supply by shutting down the motor, the equipment wear caused by repeated starting and stopping of the motor is reduced.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] This embodiment discloses a hydraulic system.

[0071] The hydraulic system includes the miniature hydraulic station, hydraulic actuator, control unit, and hydraulic oil as described in Embodiment 1; the control unit controls the flow of hydraulic oil between the miniature hydraulic station and the hydraulic actuator to achieve power supply.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniature hydraulic power unit, characterized in that, This includes the upper integrated circuit and the lower integrated circuit that are connected vertically; After the upper and lower integrated blocks are assembled, they form a cavity that is connected to the oil tank. A hydraulic plunger pump is installed on the upper surface of the upper integrated block. The pump body is embedded inside the upper integrated block. The pump body has a pump drain port, a pump outlet port and a pump suction port from top to bottom. The pump suction port is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block. The pump outlet of the hydraulic plunger pump is connected to the high-pressure connector through the pump outlet channel and the high-pressure channel; the pump drain port is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the drain channel. The high-pressure channel is connected to the oil drain channel via an overflow valve and to the unloading channel via a solenoid valve. The unloading channel is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block. The hydraulic piston pump has a pump body with multiple pump outlet ports in the middle narrowed section and multiple pump drain ports in the upper narrowed section, with the pump suction port at the end of the pump body. The plurality of pump outlets are connected to the pump outlet channel through a first annular cavity formed by a reduced diameter portion; The plurality of pump drain ports are connected to the drain channel through a second annular cavity formed by the reduced diameter portion.

2. A miniature hydraulic station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower integrated block is equipped with a return oil connector on its side, through which hydraulic oil returning from the hydraulic actuator enters the internal cavity of the integrated block.

3. A miniature hydraulic station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oil tank is connected to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the oil tank through hole, and together they serve as the storage space for hydraulic oil.

4. A miniature hydraulic station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric motor is mounted on the upper surface of the upper integrated block via a motor bracket, and the torque is transmitted between the electric motor and the hydraulic plunger pump through the surface connection between the flat shaft hole and the flat shaft.

5. A miniature hydraulic station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pump outlet is connected to the pump outlet channel. A one-way valve is installed in the middle of the pump outlet channel. The rear end of the one-way valve is connected to the high-pressure channel. The end of the pump outlet channel is blocked with a first screw plug. The high-pressure channel is a blind hole, and a high-pressure connector is installed at its outlet.

6. A miniature hydraulic station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oil inlet of the overflow valve is connected to the high-pressure channel, and the oil outlet is connected to the pump body of the upper integrated block through the oil drain channel.

7. A miniature hydraulic station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oil inlet of the solenoid valve is connected to the high-pressure channel, and the oil outlet is connected to the pump body of the upper integrated block through the unloading channel.

8. A method for operating a miniature hydraulic station, characterized in that, Based on the miniature hydraulic station as described in any one of claims 1-7, the working method includes: Connect the hydraulic actuator correctly to the miniature hydraulic power unit and ensure that the oil tank has sufficient hydraulic oil; When the electric motor is started, the hydraulic plunger pump draws hydraulic oil from the internal cavity of the integrated block through the pump suction port, entering the working state. During operation, there are four circulations of hydraulic oil: (1) The high-pressure oil output from the pump outlet of the hydraulic piston pump goes through the pump outlet channel, high-pressure channel, and high-pressure connector to the hydraulic actuator. The low-pressure oil returning from the hydraulic actuator enters the internal cavity of the integrated block through the return oil connector. (2) The hydraulic oil leaking inside the hydraulic plunger pump body returns to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the pump drain port and drain channel; (3) The hydraulic oil supplied by the hydraulic piston pump to the hydraulic actuator is controlled by the relief valve. When the hydraulic oil supplied by the hydraulic piston pump is more than the demand of the hydraulic actuator, the excess hydraulic oil in the high pressure channel is returned to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the relief valve and the drain channel. (4) When it is necessary to suspend the supply of hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic oil on the high-pressure channel is returned directly to the internal cavity of the integrated block through the unloading channel by operating the solenoid valve, and no longer flows to the hydraulic actuator.

9. The method for operating a micro hydraulic station as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The correct connection of the hydraulic actuator to the micro hydraulic station involves connecting the high-pressure circuit of the hydraulic actuator to the high-pressure connector and the low-pressure circuit to the return oil connector.

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