Hydraulic systems

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

[0001] HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to hydraulic systems. In particular, the invention relates to a hydraulic oil filter arrangement designed to be mounted directly onto the component it is intended to protect.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In hydraulic machinery, filtration systems play a critical role in preventing damage to the component by filtering out contaminants from the hydraulic oil. Currently, these systems typically use standalone filter housings, which can be challenging to install due to the need for complex mounting and piping solutions.

[0006] The inventor has identified a need to provide an oil filter at the hydraulic component that it is intended to protect.

[0007] This advancement is expected to reduce the risk of damage to individual components in a hydraulic system.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an hydraulic oil filter arrangement, which includes a housing, with an inlet and an outlet; a filter chamber defined in the housing, the filter chamber in flow communication between the inlet and the outlet, the filter chamber shaped and dimensioned to receive a filter element, in use; and a mounting means adapted for securing the housing directly onto any one or both of a hydraulic inlet and a hydraulic outlet of a hydraulic component to be protected. In one embodiment, the housing may be modular, consisting of multiple interconnected parts securely fastened together to form a housing structure.

[0010] In another embodiment, the housing may be of unitary construction, being machined from a single block of metal.

[0011] The housing may be designed for easy disassembly and reassembly to facilitate maintenance or access to a filter element.

[0012] The mounting means may be provided with indexed holes or apertures suitable for accommodating bolts or fasteners, for attaching the housing body directly onto any one or both of a hydraulic inlet and a hydraulic outlet of the hydraulic component to be protected, wherein a fluid-tight seal between the housing and the hydraulic component is achieved by a gasket, O-ring, or similar sealing component.

[0013] The housing may include pressure measurement ports in flow communication with the housing inlet and housing outlet, suitable for the installation of pressure meters or sensors to monitor and detect pressure differentials across the filter element during operation.

[0014] The housing body may be constructed from a durable, corrosionresistant material suitable for long-term use in hydraulic systems, such as stainless steel, aluminium, reinforced polymer, or the like.

[0015] The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures:

[0016] FIGURE(S)

[0017] In the figure(s):

[0018] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a hydraulic oil filter arrangement in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of another hydraulic oil filter arrangement illustrating the means of sealing unused ports; and Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the hydraulic oil filter arrangement of Figure 2 in a mirrored configuration, allowing an alternative mounting option.

[0020] In the Figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

[0021] EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In the Figures 1 to 3, reference number 10 generally refers to a hydraulic oil filter arrangement, which includes a housing (12) defining an inlet (14), an outlet (16), and a filter chamber (18) within its structure. This filter chamber (18) is in flow communication with inlet (14) and outlet (16), and is positioned to accommodate a filter element (not shown) during operational use, with one side of the filter exposed to the inlet (14) and another side of the filter exposed to the outlet (16).

[0023] A key aspect of this embodiment involves mounting means (20), which enables the direct attachment of the housing (12) onto either the hydraulic inlet (not shown), the hydraulic outlet (not shown), or both of the hydraulic component (not shown) being protected. This hydraulic oil filter arrangement (10) is therefore suitable for installation directly onto a wide range of hydraulic components (not shown).

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, any unused ports of the housing (12) are sealed using grub screws (22) or similar mechanisms. Similarly, a grub screw (22) or similar mechanism is used to seal the filter chamber (18) once a filter element (not shown) has been inserted therein. Furthermore, the housing (12) incorporates indexed holes (20) to accommodate bolts or fasteners (not shown). This design ensures a secure and steadfast attachment directly onto the hydraulic inlet, outlet, or both, reinforcing the stability of the entire arrangement and creating a fluid-tight seal between the housing (12) and the hydraulic component (not shown) through the implementation of a gasket, O-ring, or similar sealing component (not shown).

[0025] Referring to Figure 3, the housing (12) defines a mirror of the layout of the housing (12) of Figure 2. The housing (12) includes pressure-sensing ports (24) intended for the installation of pressure meters or sensors (not shown), allowing real- time monitoring and detection of pressure differentials across the filter element (not shown) during operation. The housing (12) is constructed from aluminium which is robust and corrosion resistant. Stainless steel, reinforced polymer, or similar resilient materials may be employed to achieve the same results.

[0026] The inventor believes that the invention provides an innovative solution for enhancing the efficiency and convenience of hydraulic system maintenance, filtration and subsequently the protection of hydraulic systems.

Claims

Claims:1 . A hydraulic oil filter arrangement, which includes a housing, with an inlet and an outlet; a filter chamber defined in the housing, the filter chamber in flow communication between the inlet and the outlet, the filter chamber shaped and dimensioned to receive a filter element, in use; and a mounting means adapted for securing the housing directly onto any one or both of a hydraulic inlet and a hydraulic outlet of a hydraulic component to be protected.

2. The hydraulic oil filter arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , in which the housing is modular, consisting of multiple interconnected parts securely fastened together to form a housing structure.

3. The hydraulic oil filter arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , in which the housing is of unitary construction, being machined from a single block of metal.

4. The hydraulic oil filter arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , in which the housing is designed for easy disassembly and reassembly to facilitate maintenance or access to a filter element.

5. The hydraulic oil filter arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , in which the mounting means is provided with indexed apertures suitable for accommodating fasteners, for attaching the housing body directly onto any one or both of a hydraulic inlet and a hydraulic outlet of the hydraulic component to be protected, wherein a fluid- tight seal between the housing and the hydraulic component is achieved by any one of a gasket, and O-ring.

6. The hydraulic oil filter arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , in which the housing includes pressure measurement ports in flow communication with the housing inlet and housing outlet, suitable for the installation of pressure meters or sensors to monitor and detect pressure differentials across the filter element during operation.

7. The hydraulic oil filter arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the housing body is constructed from a durable, corrosion-resistant material suitable for long-term use in hydraulic systems.