DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to device for identifying hydraulic oil filter. In particular, the present invention relates to device for identifying and notifying the actual status of the serviceability a hydraulic oil filter to the user. More particularly, the present invention relates to device for identifying and notifying the actual status of the blockage of a hydraulic oil filter by using a differential pressure sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Filters are important part of fluid system. The health and survival of sensitive hydraulic systems components such as pumps, HSU, spools, bearings are dependent on an adequate quality of hydraulic oil flowing through the hydraulic system, which provides lubrication to these components.

During the course of working of the system, due to continuous oil flow, the hydraulic system is contaminated due to the following main reasons:

• Mechanical wear of metal components.

• Built-in or primary contamination caused during the manufacturing, assembly and testing thereof.

• Ingress of contaminants from the environment surrounding the system.

• By adding oils during servicing or top-up of the hydraulic oil.

• Due to wear and tear of rubber and elastomers present in the components.

The following are the results of the contaminants present or formed in the system:

• The particles lodged between the spool and the valve body erode the metal surface and eventually cause spool failure to disable and/or deteriorate the function of the hydraulic valve.

• Hydraulic oil contamination wears out the piston rings and/or seals of valves.

• Hydraulic oil contamination causes almost 70% of hydraulic system failures.

Therefore, oil-filters are provided in most of the hydraulic systems. The main function of the oil filter is to block foreign particles present or formed in the hydraulic oil for maintaining the intended quality of the oil circulating in the lubrication system of engine, transmission and hydraulics. It avoids any possible damage to the sensitive functional components, such as pumps, hydrostatic units, control valves, bearings, etc. from fluid flow, i.e. contaminated hydraulic oil.

Thus, the oil filter prevents any premature wear and tear of the hydraulic system components to eventually avoid an expensive and undesirable hydraulic system failure by avoiding downtime and costs of operational and/or repairs. Normally, oil-filters are changed as per the guidelines provided in the service manual of the hydraulic system or whenever the system performance deteriorates. However, it is quite possible that although the oil-filter got contaminated, it has still not served its indicated service life. So, discarding a blocked oil-filter at this stage would be a loss to the customer and the environment.

PRIOR ART

US 2008 0053879 A1 discloses a fluid filter pressure indicator. The fluid filter having a fluid pressure sensor is integral with a canister enclosing a filter medium, such that the fluid filter can be removed and replaced as a unit and further such that a new fluid pressure sensor is provided each time the fluid filter is replaced. The fluid filter can be readily adapted to many different fluid systems. In some embodiments, the fluid filter has two housing sections fastened together to enclose a filter medium. In some other embodiments, the sensor includes an indicator that is easily visible outside of the housing. In some further embodiments, the indicator is responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure within the fluid filter. This invention relates generally to fluid filters, and more particularly to indicators associated with fluid filters for alerting a user when the filter has become or is becoming clogged or otherwise inoperative. As the oil pressure builds within the oil filter 100, the indicator 102 protrudes progressively farther from the bottom of oil filter 100. When the pressure within oil filter 100 reaches a predetermined pressure, indicia 108 is exposed on indicator 102 to indicate that oil filter 100 is clogged and requires a replacement. Here, indicia 108 is a single line scribed around indicator 102, however indicia 108 might also be represented by a change in color of indicator 102, a notch or groove cut in indicator 102, or any other suitable means for indicating that a predetermined pressure has been reached within oil filter 100. However, the above document describes about the removable provision about the filter clogging system, which can be used as indicator mounted on the filter for indicating the clogging thereof.

US 2008 0302709 A1 discloses a method for determining the condition of an engine lubricant passing through an engine and a filtration apparatus (1) with a filter by-pass valve (6) comprises determining whether the lubricant needs replacement, whether a detector (9) detects the extent to which the by-pass value (6) is at least partially open, exceeds a pre-determined value. The document discloses a system where back pressure generated by the fluid flow is monitored to identify the clogging in the filter. However, the additional filter apparatus which measures fluid bypassing the filter, checks with the corresponding predetermined value and indicates the status of the fluid, it does not mention any indications for status of the filter clogging.

DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

The following are the disadvantages with the prior art available in the relevant technical field:

• Filter blockage is not directly displayed to the user.
• Remainder service life is not provided in the conventional systems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for monitoring and indicating the serviceability of the hydraulic oil filter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for monitoring and audio / visible indication the working status of the hydraulic oil filter.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device for monitoring and audio / visible indication the remaining service life of the hydraulic oil filter.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for electronically sensing the pressure at the inlet and outlet ports of the hydraulic oil filter.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a filter health monitoring system, which indicates the latest filter health to the operator by audio / visual effect to enables filter servicing, irrespective of no of usage hours, i.e. to service the filter as per the actual service life thereof.

This system indicates the remaining service life available for use as well as the tentative procurement plan for spare parts required during this remainder service life.

The oil filter health monitoring system configured in accordance with the invention consists of pressure sensors to sense the differential pressure between the input and output ports of the filter and to issue signals to an electronic unit thereof to indicate the filter health to operator about the useful life thereof. This oil filter health monitoring system offers a unique solution based on the following features thereof:

- Digital display to indicate useful life of filter by connecting through sensors and other electronic units.

- Status indications include audio alarm (e.g. sounding a buzzer) as well as video indications.

- Extendible to features like, “Auto Shut Off” to safeguard sensitive system components,

- E.g. Pumps, HSU, Spools, Bearings by preventing the prime movers thereof from starting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system for a hydraulic circuit, comprising:

• an oil reservoir;

• a strainer fitted in said oil reservoir;

• a hydraulic tandem pump fitted downstream said oil reservoir;

• an improved oil filter fitted between said oil reservoir and hydraulic tandem pump;

wherein a pressure sensor is fitted between the inlet and outlet ports of said oil filter for sensing the pressure differential therebetween and issuing signals for indicating the actual status of the hydraulic filter health.

Typically, the status of the hydraulic filter health comprises the serviceability status by indicating the remainder service life thereof indicated on an audio-visual indicator.

Typically, the system issues audio/visual signals about the remainder service life thereof.

Typically, the audio signals are issued by means of a buzzer.

Typically, the visual signals are displayed on a digital display.

Typically, an electronic control unit (ECU) is connected between the hydraulic filter and the audio/visual indicator.

Typically, the ECU is pre-calibrated with the predetermined values of the filter vacuum with the corresponding filter blockage in percentage, to be indicated/displayed on the audio/visual indicator.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system, comprising:

• an oil reservoir;

• a strainer fitted in said oil reservoir;

• a hydraulic tandem pump fitted downstream said oil reservoir;

• an improved oil filter fitted between said oil reservoir and hydraulic tandem pump and having a pressure sensor is fitted between the inlet and outlet ports of said oil filter for sensing the pressure differential therebetween and issuing signals for indicating the actual status of the hydraulic filter health;

• an audio/visual indicator for issuing audio/visual signals about the remainder service life thereof by means of an electronic control unit (ECU) is connected between said hydraulic filter and said audio/visual indicator;

wherein said ECU is pre-calibrated with the predetermined values of the filter vacuum with the corresponding filter blockage in percentage, to be indicated/displayed on the audio/visual indicator.

Typically, the audio signals are issued by means of a buzzer.

Typically, the visual signals are displayed on a digital display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a typical hydraulic circuit of the oil filter fitted in a conventional hydraulic tandem pump.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the filter equipped with the filter health monitoring and indication system configured in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the filter health monitoring and indication system of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a hydraulic circuit of the filter health monitoring and indication system of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, the filter health monitoring system configured in accordance with the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1 shows a typical hydraulic circuit of the oil filter. It includes an oil reservoir 10 fitted with a strainer 12, the oil filter 14 fitted between the strainer 12 and a hydraulic tandem pump 16 downstream thereof. This hydraulic tandem pump 16 is connected to the control valve 22 via an auxiliary valve 18, which is also connected to the auxiliary cylinder 20. The control valve 22 is further connected to a hydraulic cylinder 24 as well as electronically connected to the reservoir 10.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the improved filter 114 equipped with the filter health monitoring and indication system 100 configured in accordance with the present invention. It includes a filter inlet port 15 and a filter outlet port 25 with a filter health monitoring and indication system 100 consisting of a pressure sensor to sense the differential pressure between the filter inlet and outlet ports 15, 25 to issue signals for indicating the status of filter health to the operator for judging its useful shelf-life.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the filter health monitoring and indication system 100 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a hydraulic circuit of the filter health monitoring and indication system 100 of Figure 3. It includes an oil reservoir 110 fitted with a strainer 112. An improved oil filter 114 is fitted between the strainer 112 and a hydraulic tandem pump 116 downstream thereof. An electronic control unit (ECU) or controller 120 is electronically connected between this hydraulic tandem pump 116 and the improved oil filter 114.

The electronic control unit (ECU) 120 is connected further to an audio/visual indicator 130, having an audio indicator possibly an audio alarm or buzzer and a visual indicator possibly a visual display or dial.

WORKING OF THE INVENTION

The filter health monitoring and indication system configured in accordance with the present invention is equipped with a respective pressure sensor mounted on inlet port and the outlet port of filter, an ECU and an audio/visual display.
The sensor senses the vacuum on the hydraulic pump starting suction of oil / liquid / lubricant through this improved filter. This ECU is calibrated with the predetermined values of the filter vacuum with the corresponding filter blockage in percentage, which is indicated displayed on the screen/dial of the indicator.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The filter health monitoring and indication system configured in accordance with the present invention has the following technical and economic advantages:

• Cost benefit in service to customer.

• Better value proposition.

• Technology advancement

In the previously detailed description, different features have been summarized for improving the conclusiveness of the representation in one or more examples. However, it should be understood that the above description is merely illustrative, but not limiting under any circumstances. It helps in covering all alternatives, modifications and equivalents of the different features and exemplary embodiments.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept. Many other examples are directly and immediately clear to the skilled person because of his/her professional knowledge in view of the above description.

These innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations may be made and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used may be devised to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies according to their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention. The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps. In the claims and the description, the terms “containing” and “having” are used as linguistically neutral terminologies for the corresponding terms “comprising”.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention. Furthermore, the use of the term “one” shall not exclude the plurality of such features and components described.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

Also, any reference herein to the terms ‘left’ or ‘right, ‘up’ or ‘down, or ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel.
The various features and advantageous details are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiment/s in the above description in accordance with the present invention. The descriptions of well-known components and manufacturing and processing techniques are consciously omitted in this specification, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the specification.

Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the figures, like parts are numbered the same in all of the figures. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system for a hydraulic circuit, comprising:

• an oil reservoir;

• a strainer fitted in said oil reservoir;

• a hydraulic tandem pump fitted downstream said oil reservoir;

• an improved oil filter fitted between said oil reservoir and hydraulic tandem pump;

wherein a pressure sensor is fitted between the inlet and outlet ports of said oil filter for sensing the pressure differential therebetween and issuing signals for indicating the actual status of the hydraulic filter health.

2. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the status of the hydraulic filter health comprises the serviceability status by indicating the remainder service life thereof indicated on an audio-visual indicator.

3. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system issues audio/visual signals about the remainder service life thereof.

4. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the audio signals are issued by means of a buzzer.

5. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the visual signals are displayed on a digital display.

6. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein an electronic control unit (ECU) is connected between the hydraulic filter and the audio/visual indicator.
7. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system for as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ECU is pre-calibrated with the predetermined values of the filter vacuum with the corresponding filter blockage in percentage, to be indicated/displayed on the audio/visual indicator.

8. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

• an oil reservoir;

• a strainer fitted in said oil reservoir;

• a hydraulic tandem pump fitted downstream said oil reservoir;

• an improved oil filter fitted between said oil reservoir and hydraulic tandem pump and having a pressure sensor is fitted between the inlet and outlet ports of said oil filter for sensing the pressure differential therebetween and issuing signals for indicating the actual status of the hydraulic filter health;

• an audio/visual indicator for issuing audio/visual signals about the remainder service life thereof by means of an electronic control unit (ECU) is connected between said hydraulic filter and said audio/visual indicator;

wherein said ECU is pre-calibrated with the predetermined values of the filter vacuum with the corresponding filter blockage in percentage, to be indicated/displayed on the audio/visual indicator.

9. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the audio signals are issued by means of a buzzer.

10. The hydraulic filter monitoring and indication system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the visual signals are displayed on a digital display.

Dated: this 31st day of December 2016. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT