Hydraulic fluid diffuser

Abstract

A diffuser for a return line on a hydraulic tank can include a coupling portion configured for fluidly coupling with a return port of the hydraulic tank and for receiving a return fluid along an incoming longitudinal direction. The diffuser can also include a dispersion portion in fluid communication with the coupling portion and configured for radially dispersing the return fluid. The diffuser can also include a manifold arranged around the dispersion portion and configured for circumferentially and axially directing the return fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to hydraulic systems, such as hydraulic systems used on construction machinery, including trucks or other heavy construction equipment, agricultural implements, and other machinery suitable for performing operations. More specifically, this application relates to a diffuser for a hydraulic tank in a hydraulic system. Even more specifically, this application relates to an axial or other directional flow diffuser for a hydraulic tank. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic systems typically include a housing tank, a pump for receiving relatively low-pressure fluid from the tank and delivering high-pressure fluid to the hydraulic system to perform work. The system may also include one or more hydraulic cylinders for articulating movements based on the delivered high-pressure fluid, and valves for controlling the delivery of high-pressure fluid to the cylinders and thus controlling the operation of the cylinders. Hydraulic systems may also include fluid delivery lines that provide paths for the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of various components of the hydraulic system. For example, fluid lines may extend from the pump to a control valve and from the control valve to the cylinder. Additional lines may flow from the cylinder back to the control valve and from the control valve back to the housing.

[0003] When fluid flows back from the hydraulic system to the tank, it can approach the tank at a relatively high rate. In some cases, a diffuser may be provided to slow the fluid flow. The fluid can have a residence time in the tank, which allows air in the fluid to escape by rising to the surface of the fluid in the tank. In some cases, the fluid flow within the tank may provide insufficient residence time, or for other reasons, the fluid may be trapped by the pump and reintroduced into the hydraulic system before air has a chance to escape from the fluid. In these cases, cavitation may occur within the pump or other components of the system, which can damage components of the hydraulic system and / or cause premature or excessive wear of components.

[0004] U.S. Patent 8,991,422 relates to a backflow diffuser for a hydraulic tank. The diffuser assembly includes an inlet pipe for connection to the inlet of a reservoir. A central portion of an intermediate pipe connects to multiple diffusers. The diffusers are angled relative to the axis of the inlet pipe and the axis of the reservoir's inlet, such that fluid flowing into the reservoir must change its flow direction when entering and exiting the diffusers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a diffuser for a return line on a hydraulic tank may include a coupling portion configured for fluid communication with a return port of the hydraulic tank. The coupling portion may also be configured to receive return fluid along an inlet longitudinal direction. The diffuser may further include a dispersing portion fluidly in communication with the coupling portion and configured to radially disperse the return fluid. The diffuser may further include a manifold disposed around the dispersing portion and configured to guide the return fluid circumferentially and axially.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a hydraulic tank for a hydraulic system may include a housing forming a container for containing fluid and a return port on the housing. The return port may be configured to connect to a hydraulic return line. The hydraulic tank may also include a diffuser disposed within the housing. The diffuser may include a coupling portion configured to be fluidly connected to the return port of the hydraulic tank and to receive return fluid in an inlet longitudinal direction. The diffuser may also include a dispersion portion fluidly connected to the coupling portion. The dispersion portion may be configured to radially disperse the return fluid. The diffuser may also include a manifold disposed around the dispersion portion and configured to guide the return fluid circumferentially and axially.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a method of mounting a diffuser may include securing the diffuser in direct or indirect fluid communication with a return port and securing it within a hydraulic tank. The diffuser may include a connecting portion, a dispersing portion, and a manifold. The manifold is configured to axially guide fluid in relative to the longitudinal axis of the diffuser. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a work machine having a hydraulic system for raising and lowering a cargo bed or truck bed according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a box according to one or more embodiments Figure 1 A hydraulic diagram of the hydraulic system of the operating machinery.

[0010] Figure 3 According to one or more embodiments Figure 2 A separate cross-sectional view of the box, showing a side view of the diffuser inside the box.

[0011] Figure 4A According to one or more embodiments Figure 3 A view of the connection end of the diffuser.

[0012] Figure 4BAccording to one or more embodiments Figure 3 A partially disconnected side view of the diffuser.

[0013] Figure 4C According to one or more embodiments Figure 3 A view of the free end of the diffuser.

[0014] Figure 5A According to one or more embodiments Figure 3 The image shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser, depicting the flow direction.

[0015] Figure 5B According to one or more embodiments Figure 3 A transverse cross-sectional view of the diffuser, depicting the flow direction.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a diagram depicting a method of operating a diffuser according to one or more embodiments.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a description according to one or more embodiments Figure 3 A diagram showing the installation method of the diffuser. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the work machinery 100. As shown, the work machinery 100 may be, for example, a mining or hauling truck used in open-pit mining operations for hauling mined materials. The hauling truck may include a cargo box or bucket 102 adapted to receive mined materials or other materials, secure or store materials during transport from one location to another, and be used for dumping materials. For the purpose of dumping materials, the cargo box or bucket 102 may have articulated connections to the frame of the work machinery 100 at one end and opposite free ends. The cargo box or bucket 102 may be operated using a lift, such as a hydraulic lift driven by a hydraulic system 106. The work machinery may include a plurality of ground-supported traction elements 104 (e.g., wheels, tracks, skids, etc.) for translating the work machinery relative to a supporting surface. The traction elements 104 may be coupled to the frame of the work machinery 100 via a suspension system. The work machinery 100 may include an engine or motor to generate power and drive the traction system 104, the lift, and other onboard equipment or systems.

[0019] Now for reference Figure 2The diagram schematically illustrates the hydraulic system 106 of the operating machinery. The hydraulic system 106 can be configured to controllably pivot the cargo box or hopper 102 of the operating machinery 100 throughout its tilting or pivoting range of motion between a bottom position and a fully tilted position. In the bottom position, the cargo box or hopper 102 can abut against one or more stops on the operating machinery frame 104. In the fully tilted position, the hydraulic cylinders 108 of the hydraulic system can be at their most fully available extension. As shown, the hydraulic system 106 may include a tank or reservoir 110, a pump 112, a series of hydraulic lines 114, one or more cylinders 108, and a main valve 116.

[0020] Hydraulic reservoir 110 can be configured to maintain a supply of hydraulic fluid for system use, and regarding Figure 3 This will be discussed in more detail. The hydraulic pump 112 may be arranged in fluid communication with the hydraulic reservoir 110 and may be operated to generate a pressure lower than the reservoir pressure on the suction side and a higher pressure on the output side. Therefore, the pump can draw fluid from the hydraulic reservoir 110 and deliver it to the operating side of the system. For example, when valve 116 is actuated accordingly, pump 112 may deliver fluid to extend one or more hydraulic cylinders 108. The pump may be designed to deliver a selected range of fluid flows suitable for the particular system provided. In one or more embodiments, pump 112 may include a load-sensing variable displacement pump.

[0021] The variable displacement load-sensing pump 112 or other pumps can be controlled by signal circuitry. When the main valve 112 opens to provide flow to the load or cylinder 108 in the system, pressure generated by the ongoing operation can be supplied to the signal circuitry. Pump 112 can provide sufficient flow to the pump discharge flow to maintain a margin exceeding the load-sensing pressure unless the pump reaches its maximum displacement without achieving this margin pressure. For example, the margin can provide a system pressure slightly higher than the load-sensing signal. In one or more embodiments, the maximum rise pressure can be limited by a pressure relief branch (not shown). Therefore, the pressure relief branch can limit the pressure in the load-sensing loop. In one or more embodiments, pump 112 can also be designed to limit the maximum pump discharge pressure to a pressure below the pressure setting of the pressure relief branch. Although the variable displacement load-sensing pump has been described, other pumps may also be provided.

[0022] Hydraulic lines 114 can extend from the pump to the main valve and from the main valve to the hydraulic cylinder, return to the tank, and / or other parts of the system. Hydraulic lines 114 may include flexible or rigid pressure-resistant lines capable of maintaining and delivering hydraulic fluid at pressures generated by the circuit.

[0023] Hydraulic cylinder 108 may be configured to perform work by extending and / or retracting. Hydraulic cylinder 108 may include a housing having a cap end 118 and a rod end 120. Cylinder 108 may include a piston 122 disposed within the housing and configured to articulate within the housing by a stroke length. Cylinder 108 may include a rod 124 coupled to piston 122 and extending beyond rod end 120 of the housing. The housing may include one or more ports for receiving and / or discharging hydraulic fluid to fill or remove fluid from one or more sides of the piston, thereby causing the piston to articulate back and forth within the housing to extend or retract the piston rod. For example, hydraulic cylinder 108 may include a port on the cap end of the housing and a port on the rod end of the housing.

[0024] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The main valve 116 can be configured to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the hydraulic cylinder 108. Typically, the main valve 108 is in fluid communication with both the pump 112 and the hydraulic cylinder 108. Specifically, the main valve 116 can be arranged between the pump 112 and the hydraulic cylinder 108 (e.g., fluidly arranged between the pump and the hydraulic cylinder such that fluid flows through the valve to reach the cylinder). A pair of hydraulic lines 114, in the form of a cap-end line 114A and a rod-end line 114B, are provided between the main valve 116 and the hydraulic cylinder 108, wherein the cap-end line 114A extends from the valve 116 and leads to the cap end 118 of the hydraulic cylinder 108, and the rod-end line 114B returns from the rod end 120 of the hydraulic cylinder 108 to the valve 116. Although described as “to” and “back”, each of the cap-end line 114A and the rod-end line 114B can be a bidirectional line, depending on the position of the main valve and the direction of the resulting fluid flow. Although not shown in detail, the valve may include a spring-centered valve spool, or may provide another type of centering mechanism. The valve spool may include one or more valve positions, and movement between one or more valve positions can control the flow of fluid through the hydraulic system.

[0025] It should be understood that the hydraulic system 106 can be used to operate additional or alternative devices besides the hydraulic cylinder 108. For example, a hydraulic motor, radiator, accumulator, and / or other hydraulic drive device can be provided as part of the hydraulic system. In these systems, hydraulic fluid can be drawn from the tank and pumped into the system, and can be returned to the tank, similar to the use described with respect to the hydraulic cylinder. Therefore, tanks, particularly diffusers, can be provided in combination with these types of systems and / or combinations of these systems, as described in more detail below.

[0026] Now go to Figure 3The figure shows a cross-sectional side view of container 110. As shown, container 110 may include a shell having a bottom and multiple sidewalls, forming a container 126 for containing liquid. Container 126 may be substantially open to atmospheric pressure while closed to contaminants, and therefore may have an open port with an air filter to allow the container to exchange air with the surrounding environment. The container may also include one or more ports for fluidly interacting with a hydraulic system. For example, a return port may be located on a sidewall of the container, and a hydraulic line 114 may be fluidly connected to the container at the return port. Container 110 may also include an inwardly extending delivery conduit 128 extending from the return port on the outside of the container to a fluid delivery location 130 within the container 110. Delivery conduit 128 may transport returned hydraulic fluid from the wall of container 110 to delivery location 130. As shown, a diffuser 132 may be arranged at the end of delivery conduit 128. As also shown, multiple return ports and delivery conduits may be provided depending on the needs of the hydraulic system. Furthermore, the delivery conduit 128 can be configured to deliver return fluid to a location within the tank that avoids other internal equipment and helps increase the fluid's residence time. As another example of a port on the tank, a supply port can be located on the side wall of the tank, and a hydraulic line 114 or pump can be connected to the tank 110 at the supply port. The pump 112 can draw fluid from the tank by generating a pressure below atmospheric pressure at or near the supply port, forcing the tank fluid through the supply port under higher atmospheric pressure, and the pump can then deliver the fluid to the hydraulic system.

[0027] Now go to Figures 4A-4C A detailed view of diffuser 132 is shown. Diffuser 132 may be configured to slow the rate of returning hydraulic fluid and to guide the fluid in a manner that increases the residence time of the fluid within tank 110. The increased residence time allows air within the fluid to escape before the fluid re-enters the hydraulic system. In one or more embodiments, diffuser 132 may include a coupling portion 134, a dispersing portion 136, and a manifold portion 138.

[0028] like Figure 4A As shown, the connecting portion 134 can be configured to connect the diffuser 132 to and receive fluid from the delivery conduit 128. As shown, the connecting portion 134 can be in the form of a flange-like connecting plate adapted to engage the flange of the delivery conduit 128 to form a seal. The connecting plate may include a mating surface 140 for abutting the flange of the delivery conduit 128 or for abutting a gasket therebetween, and a contrasting inner surface 142 for receiving hydraulic fluid (see [reference]). Figure 4CThe connecting plate may include an annular portion 144 and an ear portion 146. The annular portion 144 of the connecting plate may include a circular inner edge 148 defining a bore diameter that may be the same as or similar to the inner diameter of the delivery conduit 128. The annular portion 144 may include a circular outer edge 150 defining a flange diameter that may be the same as or similar to the outer diameter of a flange on the delivery conduit 128. The annular portion 144 may include threaded studs 152 or other fasteners that extend substantially orthogonally from the mating surface 140 and are spaced apart to align with bores in the flange of the delivery conduit 128. Therefore, mounting of the diffuser 132 may include, for example, aligning the studs 152 with bores in the flange of the delivery conduit 128, inserting the studs 152 through the bore, and securing the studs 152 with nuts and washers. The ear portion 146 may extend from the annular portion 144 at a tangent extending from the outer diameter of the annular portion 144. Figure 4C As shown, the intersection of tangents extending away from the annular portion 144 can define an angle 154 ranging from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 130 degrees or from approximately 102 degrees to approximately 122 degrees, or can provide an angle of approximately 112 degrees. For example, the ear portion 146 can extend away from the annular portion 144 to form an attachment tab for securing the diffuser 132 to the housing wall.

[0029] The dispersing portion 136 can be configured to disperse the fluid as it enters the diffuser 132 and slows down. For example, in conjunction with the end plate 156 on the manifold 138, the dispersing portion 136 can guide the fluid radially outward and / or upward relative to the incoming flow and / or the longitudinal axis 158 of the diffuser 132. As shown, partially in Figure 4B and 4C Moreover, in Figure 5A and 5B In this embodiment, the dispersing portion 132 may include a substantially tubular portion extending along the longitudinal axis 158 of the diffuser 132 and away from the inner surface 142 of the connecting portion 134. In one or more embodiments, the tubular portion may be a cylindrical portion having an inner diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the delivery conduit 128 and / or the diameter of the inner edge 148 of the annular portion 144 of the connecting plate. The cylindrical portion may include a cylindrical wall having dispersing perforations, orifices, or holes 160 that allow fluid flow through the cylindrical wall. For directional control purposes, the holes may be arranged on specific portions of the cylindrical wall. As shown, the holes may be arranged on the upper side of the cylindrical wall and may extend substantially along the entire length of the cylindrical portion and around the surface of the cylindrical wall at a selected included angle. Figure 5BAs shown, the selected included angle 162 can range from approximately 60 degrees to approximately 225 degrees, approximately 90 degrees to approximately 200 degrees, approximately 150 degrees to approximately 180 degrees, or approximately 160 degrees to approximately 170 degrees. The hole 160 can include a square, triangular, circular, or other opening shape, and can be arranged in a pattern providing approximately 50% open and 50% closed surfaces in the opening area, while the remainder of the cylindrical wall can be substantially 100% closed. The cylindrical portion can be secured to the inner surface of the connecting portion 134 or the connecting plate, and can be aligned with the inner edge 148 of its annular portion. The cylindrical portion can be welded or otherwise secured to the inner surface 142 of the connecting portion or plate 134.

[0030] Manifold 138 can be configured to guide radially dispersed fluid circumferentially around a cylindrical portion and axially along the cylindrical portion. In one or more embodiments, the axially guided fluid can be guided in a direction opposite to the inflow direction defined by delivery conduit 128. As shown, manifold 138 may include a surrounding cap 164 and a diverter portion 166. The surrounding cap 164 may be adapted to guide fluid around the cylindrical portion. As shown, when in such... Figure 4C and 5B When viewed in cross-section, the surrounding cover may include a U-shaped plate. The curved portion 172 of the U-shaped plate may have a radius of curvature 168, the center of which is located at the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion. The radius 168 may be greater than the radius of the outer surface of the cylindrical wall, thereby defining a concentric annular chamber 170 surrounding the cylindrical portion. Again, when viewed in cross-section, the U-shaped plate may have substantially straight sidewall legs 174 extending downward beyond the bottom of the cylindrical portion, thereby defining the side of an outlet passage 176 below the cylindrical portion. The U-shaped plate may have a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the diffuser 132 that is the same as or similar to the length of the dispersing portion 136. The diverter portion 166 may be adapted to stop the longitudinal flow of fluid within the dispersing portion and to axially guide fluid as it receives fluid exiting the annular chamber formed by the cover 164. The diverter portion 166 may include L-shaped plates arranged at the ends and bottom of the diffuser 132. The upper leg 178 of the L-shaped plate can be arranged on the end of the dispersing portion 136 and the end of the cover 164 to prevent fluid from flowing out of the end of the diffuser 132. This portion of the distributor can be considered as the end plate 156 and can be the portion of the diffuser 132 that prevents longitudinal flow of the incoming fluid. The upper leg 178 may include a rounded top edge 180, such as Figure 4CAs shown, for example, the rounded top edge follows and aligns with the end of the U-shaped plate of the cover 164. The seam between these two elements can be welded or otherwise secured. The bottom leg 182 of the L-shaped plate can be substantially rectangular and can be arranged to extend between the bottom ends of the U-shaped cover and form the bottom of the diffuser 132. The seam between these two elements can be welded or otherwise secured. The upper leg 178 and the bottom leg 182 of the diverter can transition by a bent heel 184. The heel can include a radius substantially similar to the outer radius of the cover 164 and can be used to provide a thrust profile in the bottom end of the diffuser 132. This thrust profile can guide the fluid received by the diverter 166 from the annular chamber 170 in the axial flow direction.

[0031] In this example, the position of the thrust curve at the bottom end of the diffuser 132 can create an axial flow direction that extends longitudinally along the diffuser 132 and in the opposite direction to the inflow from the delivery conduit 128. However, the thrust curve can alternatively be arranged at the front bottom end, which can create fluid flow parallel to the inflow from the delivery conduit 128 and in the same direction as the inflow. Furthermore, the thrust curve can be part of the bottom end of the U-shaped cap 164, and the bottom portions of the opposite legs of the cap can be omitted, allowing the fluid flow to move axially but transversely to the inflow direction. Additionally, a split thrust curve system can be provided along the midpoint of the diffuser, where multiple opposing thrust curves are provided to guide the fluid in opposite directions, and flow channels can be provided outside each end of the diffuser. Furthermore, although a single connecting portion 134 is shown for delivering fluid to the diffuser from one end, multiple connecting portions 134 can be provided. For example, an additional delivery conduit can deliver fluid to the end of the diffuser opposite to the illustrated connection portion 134, and can be secured to the diffuser at the additional connection portion, which can be positioned in place of the end plate 156. In this embodiment, for example, an internal baffle or other flow stopping or slowing mechanism can be provided along the middle length of the cylindrical portion. In other embodiments, the opposing inflow can be sufficient to slow the flow and divert it through the cylindrical portion.

[0032] It should also be understood that the term "longitudinal" in this application is used to describe the fluid flow, direction, and axis extending along the length of the diffuser, rather than, for example, extending across the diffuser or laterally. Therefore, although this diffuser is arranged with its longitudinal axis in a horizontal orientation (e.g., parallel to the bottom of the tank), the diffuser may be arranged with its longitudinal axis horizontal, inclined, oblique, angled, vertical, or a combination of these orientations, and nothing in this application should be construed as requiring a horizontal orientation.

[0033] Although a work machine 100 in the form of a mining or hauling truck has been shown, all types of work machines can utilize the hydraulic system described herein, which has the diffuser described. For example, wheel loaders, skid steer steering systems, farm equipment, trenching equipment, and other machinery performing work may include the hydraulic system described herein.

[0034] Industrial applicability

[0035] In operation and use, this hydraulic system can provide a longer residence time for the hydraulic fluid and / or more directional control over the incoming return fluid as it exits diffuser 132, thereby increasing the fluid's ability to separate from entrained air. In one or more embodiments, this diffuser design can allow for the use of a smaller hydraulic tank by controlling the direction of fluid flow inward. For example, guiding the fluid flow away from the pump's supply port more quickly due to fluid directional control can allow for a smaller tank design. In one or more embodiments, this can allow for a reduction in the amount of oil used in the hydraulic system, which can reduce maintenance costs associated with oil changes, etc.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the following can be provided: Figure 6 As described in the text and as Figure 5A and 5B The operating method 200 is modeled in the model. The method may include receiving return hydraulic fluid flowing in the longitudinal direction of entry using a connecting portion (202). The method may also include blocking axial flow of the fluid using an end plate (204) and establishing radial flow of the fluid using a dispersing portion (206). In one or more embodiments, the radial flow may include upward radial flow. The method may also include establishing cylindrical flow using a cap (208) and establishing axial flow using a flow divider (210). In one or more embodiments, the axial flow may be in a direction substantially parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal direction of entry.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the following can be provided: Figure 7The installation method 300 is depicted herein. The method may include approaching the hydraulic tank (302) and removing (304) the diffuser from within the tank by loosening bolts or otherwise removing it. The method may also include securing the new diffuser in direct or indirect fluid communication with a return port on the hydraulic tank (306). Installing the new diffuser may include aligning a stud of the connecting portion with a hole in the flange of the delivery conduit (306A). Installation may also include inserting the stud through the hole (306B) and securing the diffuser in place with a nut on the rear side of the flange (306C). In one or more embodiments, the diffuser may include the connecting portion, the dispersing portion, and the manifold portion as described above. Thus, the new diffuser can provide the establishment of radial flow, followed by circumferential flow, and finally further axial flow. In one or more embodiments, the new diffuser can establish axial flow in a direction opposite to the direction of entry into longitudinal flow.

[0038] The detailed description above is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. A diffuser for a return line on a hydraulic tank, the diffuser comprising: The connecting portion is configured to be fluidly connected to the return port of the hydraulic tank and to receive return fluid at a first flow rate along the longitudinal and horizontal directions of entry. The dispersing portion includes a cylindrical portion defining a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal and horizontal directions, the dispersing portion being in fluid communication with the connecting portion and configured to disperse the return fluid radially upward relative to the longitudinal and horizontal directions and to slow down the return fluid; as well as Manifold, the manifold comprising: A U-shaped cover plate, the U-shaped cover plate being arranged around and extending along the longitudinal axis, and defining a chamber surrounding the cylindrical portion; as well as The L-shaped diffuser section has an upper leg and a lower leg, the upper leg being disposed at the respective ends of each of the U-shaped cover and the cylindrical section, and the lower leg forming the bottom of the diffuser. The manifold is configured to guide the return fluid circumferentially around the longitudinal and horizontal directions, guide the return fluid downward relative to the longitudinal and horizontal directions, and axially exit the diffuser with the return fluid at a second flow rate slower than the first flow rate.

2. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a connecting plate configured to be secured to a flange of the delivery conduit within the hydraulic tank.

3. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion comprises a cylindrical wall arranged such that the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the bottom of the hydraulic tank, and the cylindrical wall has a bottom and a top.

4. The diffuser of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a perforation on the top.

5. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the chamber is an annular chamber surrounding the dispersing portion.

6. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the L-shaped splitter portion includes a root portion in the form of a thrust block for guiding the fluid axially along the diffuser.

7. The diffuser of claim 6, wherein the thrust block is arranged to guide the fluid axially in a direction parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal and horizontal directions of entry.

8. A method for installing a diffuser, the method comprising: A diffuser is secured within a hydraulic tank using a connecting plate to be in direct or indirect fluid communication with a return port. The diffuser includes a connecting portion, a dispersing portion, and a manifold. The connecting portion includes the connecting plate. The dispersing portion includes a cylindrical portion defining a longitudinal axis. The manifold is configured to axially guide fluid in relative to the longitudinal axis of the diffuser. The manifold includes: A U-shaped cover plate, the U-shaped cover plate being arranged around and extending along the longitudinal axis; and The L-shaped diffuser section has an upper leg and a lower leg. The upper leg is disposed on the corresponding ends of the U-shaped cover and the cylindrical section, and the lower leg forms the bottom of the diffuser.

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