Claims:We claim:
1. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer enabling rapid and efficient release of air entrained in the hydraulic fluid, comprising of :
a) a bottom plate (122), positioned at the lower end of the hydraulic reservoir (121), wherein said bottom plate (122) supports the entire hydraulic reservoir assembly (121);
b) a side wall (123), positioned on the upper end of the said bottom plate (122), Wherein said side wall (123) is provided with a circular wall section (135), wherein said side wall (123) along with the said circular wall section (135) encloses a hydraulic fluid holding chamber (124);
c) a cyclone inducer (125), positioned inside the hydraulic reservoir (121), wherein said cyclone inducer (125) is positioned inside the side wall (123) assembly and is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid holding chamber (124), wherein said cyclone inducer (125) is provided with a fluid inlet (126) and a fluid outlet (127), wherein said fluid outlet (127) is smaller in size with respect to the fluid inlet (126), wherein said fluid inlet (126) and fluid outlet (127) are positioned in a vertical axis with respect to each other;
d) a connection tube (128), positioned adjacent to the said cyclone inducer (125) on the side wall (123) assembly, wherein said connection tube (128) directs the flow of de-aerated hydraulic fluid towards the hydraulic pump (132); and
e) a top plate (129), positioned on the top end of the said side wall (123) assembly, wherein said top plate (129) is provided with a fluid inlet (126) and an air vent (130), wherein said fluid inlet (126) enables the aerated hydraulic fluid to flow inside the cyclone inducer (125), wherein said air vent (130), enables the release of air separated from the hydraulic fluid to escape into the atmosphere.

2. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid inlet (126) is positioned in a vertical axis with respect to the fluid outlet (127) and fluid outflow through connection tube (128).

3. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid flow through the fluid outlet (127) and fluid outflow through connection tube (128) are positioned on same axis but in opposite direction.

4. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid outlet (127) is a controlled orifice which enables operational control over the size of the outlet opening.

5. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid outlet (127) is a rectangular orifice.

6. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid outlet (127) is selected from a machined controlled orifice or a fabricated leaf spring.

7. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein fluid flow velocity of the aerated hydraulic fluid at the fluid outlet (127) is higher than at the fluid inlet (126).

8. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cyclone inducer (125) comprises of:

a) a circular wall (136), with a first end (137) and second end (138);
b) a side wall (139) with a first end (140) and a second end (141), wherein said first end (140) of the side wall (139) is positioned in connection with the said first end (137) of the circular wall (136), wherein said side wall (139) co-exist with the sidewall (123) of the said hydraulic assembly; and
c) a barrier (142) with a first end (143) and a second end (144), positioned in an inclined direction with respect to the side wall (139), wherein said first end (143) of the barrier (142) is positioned in connection with the said second end (138) of the circular wall (136), wherein said second end (141) of the side wall (139) and said second end (144) of the barrier (142) forms the fluid outlet (127), wherein said barrier (142) separates the cyclone inducer (125) chamber from the holding chamber (124) inside the side wall (123) assembly.

9. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, wherein distance formed between the first end (140) of the side wall (139) and first end (143) of the barrier (142) is large with respect to the fluid outlet (127) opening formed between the said second end (141) of the side wall (139) and said second end (144) of the barrier (142), imparting a higher velocity to the hydraulic fluid passing out from the cyclone inducer (125) chamber into the holding chamber (124) through the fluid outlet (127) by converting the pressure energy into kinetic energy.

10. A method of removing the air entrained in the hydraulic fluid by employing the hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, comprising of :

a) directing the aerated hydraulic fluid flow returning from hydraulic system (133) through the return line filter (134) into the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid inlet (126), wherein said fluid inlet (126) is positioned in a central axis to the cyclone inducer (125);
b) directing the aerated hydraulic fluid to flow out of the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid outlet (127) with increased fluid velocity, As the fluid passes through the fluid outlet (127) which is a controlled orifice, the pressure energy is converted into kinetic energy increasing the fluid velocity;
c) directing the aerated hydraulic fluid flowing out of the cyclone inducer (125) towards the circular wall portion (135) of the side wall (122) assembly inside the holding chamber (124), the fluid with higher velocity flowing through the circular wall (135) creates a cyclonic action which induces centrifugal pattern to the aerated hydraulic fluid, wherein the cyclonic action forces the denser fluid to move radially outward, towards the side wall (122) and air being less dense, moves radially inward toward the center axis of the holder chamber (124);
d) upward rising of the entrapped air which moved towards the centre of the holding chamber (124) due to buoyancy;
e) releasing of the entrapped air into the atmosphere from the surface of the hydraulic fluid contained in the holding chamber (124) via the air vent (130) positioned on the top plate (129) of the hydraulic assembly (121);
f) directing the de-aerated hydraulic fluid contained in the holding chamber (124) to the hydraulic pump (132) via the said connection tube (128);
g) pumping the de-aerated high pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump (132) into hydraulic system (133) for working; and
h) returning the aerated hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system (133) upon completion of work to the hydraulic reservoir (121) assembly through the line filter (134) via the fluid inlet (126).

11. The method of removing the air entrained in the hydraulic fluid, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the aerated hydraulic fluid flow from filter (134) is completely passed to the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid inlet (126).

12. The method of removing the air entrained in the hydraulic fluid, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the de-aerated hydraulic fluid from the holder chamber (124) is directed to the hydraulic pump (132) with a positive suction pressure via the said connection tube (128).

13. The method of removing the air entrained in the hydraulic fluid, as claimed in claim 10, enables rapid release of air entrapped in hydraulic fluid reducing the time spent by the hydraulic fluid inside the reservoir (121), thereby reducing the volume of hydraulic fluid to be stored in the reservoir (121) and also reducing the reservoir (121) volume and capacity.

14. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, is adaptable in both stationary and mobile hydraulic equipment.

15. A hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, as claimed in claim 1, is adoptable for varying pump flow capacity. , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to hydraulic reservoir, in particular the present invention relates to a hydraulic reservoir with inbuilt cyclone inducer which enables rapid and efficient de-aeration of entrapped air from hydraulic fluid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hydraulic systems are used in a variety of applications ranging from simple automotive to marine and air craft applications. These systems use fluid as a main source for generation of mechanical power to power the devices of the system. Many vehicles including trucks, heavy equipment, construction equipment, farm equipment, etc includes a hydraulic system which uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to run hydraulic motors, drive hydraulic cylinders, etc. Such hydraulic system contains hydraulic tanks, pumps for conveying hydraulic fluid from pressurized working tanks, oil coolers for cooling hydraulic fluid and control valves, these systems typically employ a tank/reservoir for holding hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid from the tank is pumped to motors, cylinders, or other hydraulic devices for controlling various machine operations and functions.
The quantity and volume of hydraulic fluid required by the hydraulic device for controlling machine operations may vary during operation, and therefore some or all of the hydraulic oil is re-circulated through the machine components, passing through the reservoir tank before being again circulated through the hydraulic circuit. Unfortunately, during such circulation and recirculation of the hydraulic fluid from and to the reservoir tank and hydraulic system, varying quantities of air become entrained in the hydraulic fluid in the form of microscopic bubbles. The source of this aeration can be a number of locations including hydraulic cylinder rod seals, hydraulic pump and motor shaft seals, turbulence within the reservoir, excessive vacuum created between the pump & reservoir, and components creating high velocities causing a vacuum.
Therefore hydraulic fluid returning to the reservoir tank must often be reconditioned for reuse in the hydraulic system. As the hydraulic devices are operated under different operating conditions, the hydraulic fluid is placed under alternating high and low pressures that may cause air to become entrained in the fluid. Entrained air in the hydraulic fluid causes cavitation and excessive noise as it cycles through the system, thereby accelerating component wear. Further bubbles can implode at the inlet end of pump or downstream of throttle points, creating forces large enough to erode system components or result in oxidation of the hydraulic fluid, which will reduce usable life of oil. Accordingly, it is often desirable to deaerate the hydraulic fluid in the tank, prior to reuse in the hydraulic system.
Conventionally, the deaerating is done by constructing large sized reservoir with increased surface area contact between hydraulic fluid and air within the tank. The larger surface area and size of the tank provides de-aeration function by gravity in that the hydraulic fluid is allowed to stand still so that dissolved or entrained air can form bubbles and gradually rise out of the fluid into the head space by traveling to the surface of the hydraulic reservoir. However, such an approach typically requires a hydraulic reservoir with a substantial capacity large enough, to allow the hydraulic fluid sufficient time to stand for de-aeration. Such reservoirs may also require complex baffle structures to promote suitable standing of the hydraulic fluid. Further additional space of large tank is used to reduce the fluid flow velocity, thereby enabling release of air entrapped in the hydraulic fluid. In addition, as the hydraulic fluid is circulated through the system it will pick up heat energy from the machine components. The larger tank size also solve this problem by providing more surface area for exchanging heat to cool the hydraulic fluid with higher heat transfer rate.
But many practical constraints exist on use of large tank size for de-aeration. Many applications finds it difficult to employ large tank size in its system because of space, weight and cost constrain. This is particularly true for mobile machines, where smaller tanks are used not only to meet the limited amount of available space but also to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency. When using hydraulic fluid for driving units in a vehicle, it is not practical to use a big hydraulic tank for de-aeration of the hydraulic fluid, due to excessive space and weight that needs to be transported by the vehicle. Another problem associated with the hydraulic systems with large reservoir, is that to feed the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the pump with sufficient speed and amount to satisfy the user units. In addition, the volume of hydraulic oil required for equipment varies based on operational volume for various functional parts, heat dissipation time and time for entrapped air to release. Due to these constraints the reservoir volume is always kept higher, than actual requirement of the system, which leads to higher cost of hydraulic fluid.
Therefore, there exists a need for a hydraulic reservoir with reduced size and capacity which enables rapid and efficient de-aeration of hydraulic fluid. Most of the existing solutions for removing entrained air from hydraulic fluids are not sufficiently efficient in removing the entrained air.
German patent 10323068 relates to a fluid tank provided with a device inside the tank to remove bubbles present in the fluid. The bubble removal device has a cyclone chamber to create a vortex in the fluid, and also has a flow outlet through the bubble free fluid can flow from the cyclone chamber, and an outlet for the escape of bubbles separated from the fluid. Guide sections are provided inside the tank to guide the bubble free fluid in the direction of a delivery opening or filter fitted in it. Here a separate conical cyclone chamber is created inside the tank and a separated outlet for bubbles are created which makes the tank construction a complex process, further vortex is created inside the fluid for the de-aeration.
PCT patent application 2018087184 discloses a hydraulic reservoir, for use in marine pleasure craft, comprising a vortex chamber, a hydraulic fluid return line and a hydraulic fluid suction line respective entering and exiting substantially tangentially to an internal wall surface of the vortex chamber. An upper chamber is disposed above the vortex chamber which is in fluid communication with the vortex chamber and capable of expansion and/or contraction in accordance to the volume of the hydraulic fluid to be accommodated in the hydraulic reservoir. Here the hydraulic fluid is directed into the vortex chamber along the hydraulic fluid return line and extracted from the vortex chamber along the hydraulic fluid suction line, thereby creating a vortex flow in the vortex chamber, dissolved air becomes entrained into bubbles rises to the upper chamber. Here again vortex chamber is a conical chamber present inside the hydraulic tank, further this patent application discloses two chambers vertically aligned making the hydraulic tank large and heavy.
PCT patent application 2015041975 discloses a cyclone reservoir for separation of aerated portion of a hydraulic fluid and a related method of making the cyclone reservoir. The cyclone reservoir includes a lower chamber having a generally cylindrical side wall, a return port, and a suction port. An upper chamber is connected to the lower chamber by a neck section that places the interior volumes of the lower and upper chambers in fluid communication with one another. The neck section has a cross-sectional area taken perpendicular to a central axis of the reservoir that is smaller than a cross- sectional area of the lower chamber and the upper chamber at a different position along the central axis. This application again provides two chambers, upper and lower chamber connected by a neck portion making the fluid tank larger and heavy.
US patent 5918760 relates to a hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising a substantially cylindrical wall, an upper wall and a lower wall, and two tubular connection pieces for entering and discharging hydraulic fluid into and out from the interior of the reservoir. The fluid from the hydraulic fluid pump is introduced into the hydraulic fluid reservoir via the inlet connection piece at a relatively high speed, tangentially into the lower chamber. The air included in the hydraulic fluid, due to the centripetal force, is forced towards the centre of the chamber and released from the fluid up through the central opening in the annular disc and allowed to leave through a hole in the upper wall to the upper chamber. The fluid in the upper chamber is prevented from rotating, whereas substantially all the fluid in the lower chamber is rotated. This also is provided with two chambers vertically aligned.
US patent 6220283 provides a reservoir for power steering fluid includes an upright housing that forms an upper interior space for storage of a reserve fluid supply, and a lower interior space containing a fluid filter. Fluid connectors are provided for causing fluid to flow in a circumferential swirling pattern as it moves through the filter, such that the flowing fluid has a relatively long residence time in the lower portion of the reservoir for achievement of an effective cooling action. The fluid filter is connected in a return line from the power steering unit to the associated pump, so that filtered liquid is supplied to the pump. The fluid filter is preferably a flat disk-like filter unit located in a horizontal plane between the inlet fluid connector and the outlet fluid connector. Here also again two chambers are provided which are vertically aligned in the fluid tank.
The main disadvantage of the above system are all of the cited prior-art technologies provides a hydraulic reservoir with minimum of two chamber, one upper chamber and a lower chamber, where the vortexing of the fluid is done in lower chamber and the air gets released into the upper chamber. Here the air is not released into the atmosphere the air is still present in the system, further hydraulic tank with two chambers makes it large and bulky defeating the whole objective. Accordingly there exists a need in the art for a hydraulic reservoir with low volume and capacity which enables rapid and efficient de-aeration of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system.

To eliminate the above drawbacks, the present invention provides a hydraulic reservoir with in-built cyclone inducer enabling rapid and efficient removal of air entrained in the hydraulic fluid. The present invention provides a hydraulic reservoir with reduced volume and capacity which reduces the operating hydraulic fluid volume by enabling rapid removal of entrapped air from the hydraulic fluid. The reduced reservoir capacity not only reduces the constructional cost of hydraulic reservoir, but the low operating hydraulic fluid volume reduces the operating cost of the hydraulic system. Additionally the hydraulic reservoir of the present invention consists of a single fluid chamber which reduces reservoir weight and space requirement in the hydraulic system. Further this invention provides a hydraulic reservoir which supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump with positive pressure at suction and in sufficient quantity to satisfy the needs of other machine units.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic reservoir with in-built cyclone inducer enabling rapid and efficient release of entrained air in the hydraulic fluid.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a low volume capacity hydraulic reservoir with reduced volume of operating hydraulic fluid by instant release of entrapped air from the hydraulic fluid.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic reservoir with single fluid chamber with reduced reservoir weight and space requirement in the hydraulic system.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic reservoir with reduced reservoir capacity and low operating hydraulic fluid volume, which reduces both the constructional cost and the operating cost of the hydraulic system.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic reservoir which creates a positive pressure in the pump suction line.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic reservoir which supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump with sufficient speed and amount to satisfy the needs of other machine units.
Additional objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic reservoir which can be constructed in both stationary and mobile hydraulic equipment.
Accordingly it is highly desirable to provide a hydraulic reservoir with in-built cyclone inducer enabling rapid and efficient release of air entrained in the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid flow returning from the hydraulic system flowing through the return line filter is directed into the cyclone inducer. In the cyclone chamber the fluid velocity is increased by passing it through the controlled orifice. The fluid with higher velocity flows through the cylindrical side walls of the hydraulic reservoir inducing a circular motion to the hydraulic fluid. This induced circular flow causes the denser hydraulic fluid to move radially outwards and aerated fluid due to centrifugal action forces the air to flow inward. The entrapped air released rapidly from the fluid will move toward the centre and float upwards due to buoyancy, and is releases to the atmosphere from the surface of the hydraulic fluid.
Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the devices, systems and methods of the herein described exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a reduced volume hydraulic reservoir with in-built cyclone inducer enabling rapid and efficient release of air entrained in the hydraulic fluid, comprising of : a bottom plate supporting the entire hydraulic reservoir assembly; a side wall provided with a circular wall section, positioned on the upper end of the said bottom, wherein said side wall along with the said circular wall section encloses a hydraulic fluid holding chamber ; a cyclone inducer with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet positioned in the hydraulic reservoir, wherein said cyclone inducer is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid holding chamber, wherein said fluid outlet is smaller in size with respect to the fluid inlet, wherein said fluid inlet and fluid outlet are positioned in a vertical axis with respect to each other; a connection tube, positioned adjacent to the said cyclone inducer for directing the flow of de-aerated hydraulic fluid towards the hydraulic pump; and a top plate provided with a fluid inlet and an air vent, positioned on the top end of the said side wall assembly, wherein said fluid inlet enables the aerated hydraulic fluid to flow inside the cyclone inducer, wherein said air vent, enables the release of air separated from the hydraulic fluid to escape into the atmosphere.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the said cyclone inducer is provided with a circular wall with a first end and second end, a side wall positioned in connection with the said first end of the circular wall, wherein said side wall co-exist with the sidewall of the said hydraulic assembly, and a barrier positioned in an inclined direction with respect to the side wall and connected to the said second end of the circular wall. wherein said second end of the side wall and said second end of the barrier leading to the fluid outlet, wherein the said barrier separates the cyclone inducer from the holding chamber.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method of removing air entrained in the hydraulic fluid by employing the hydraulic reservoir with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer, includes, the aerated hydraulic fluid flow returning from hydraulic system flows through return line filter and is directed into the cyclone inducer via the fluid inlet. The fluid flowing out of the cyclone inducer passes through the fluid outlet with increased fluid velocity. Outside the cyclone inducer the fluid is directed towards the circular wall portion of the side wall assembly inside the holding chamber. The fluid at a higher velocity flowing through the circular wall creates a cyclonic action which induces swirling pattern in the aerated hydraulic fluid. This cyclonic action forces the denser fluid to move radially outward, towards the side wall and air being less dense, moves radially inward toward the center axis of the holder chamber. The entrapped air at the centre of the holding chamber floats upwards due to buoyancy, and escapes through air vent positioned on the top plate. Thus the entrapped air is released rapidly to the atmosphere from the surface of the hydraulic fluid. The de-aerated hydraulic fluid is directed to the hydraulic pump with positive suction pressure via the connection tube.
Due to the rapid and efficient air release from the hydraulic fluid, the fluid is not required to stay inside reservoir for longer time. Hence the volume of hydraulic fluid that needs to be stored in the reservoir is reduced, thus reducing the reservoir volume and capacity adapting the space constrain. Further the reservoir weight cost of first fill and subsequent replacement cost of hydraulic fluid is also reduced. The reduced reservoir capacity and low operating hydraulic fluid volume, reduces both the constructional cost and the operating cost of the hydraulic system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer for removing entrapped air from hydraulic fluid according to the present invention.
Figure 2 shows the cross sectional view of the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer for removing entrapped air from hydraulic fluid according to the present invention comprising of a cyclone chamber (125) with a fluid inlet (126) and a fluid outlet (127) which is constrained and reduced flow area with respect to the fluid outlet (126).
Figure 3 shows the flow of aerated and deaerated hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic system consisting of hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer for removing entrapped air from hydraulic fluid according to the present invention.
Figure 4 shows the conventional hydraulic container which hold the hydraulic reservoir (121) and systems including in-line filter (134).
Figure 5 shows the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer for removing entrapped air from hydraulic fluid with reduced fluid holding capacity according to the present invention.
Figure 6 depicts the stimulation of the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer according to the present invention along with the in-line filter (134). The stimulation shows the velocity of fluid flow along the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer via the in-line filter (134) through the fluid inlet (126).
Figure 7 depicts the stimulation of the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer according to the present invention. The stimulation shows the density of hydraulic fluid flowing along the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer.
Figure 8 shows the chart comparing the pressure in the pump suction side in the hydraulic reservoir without cyclone inducer (151) and hydraulic reservoir with cyclone inducer (152)
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THEINVENTION WITH RESPECT TO DRAWINGS
The present invention as embodied by a “Hydraulic reservoir with inbuilt cyclone inducer for removing entrapped air from hydraulic fluid" succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. In as much as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety, and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s)/modification(s) applied to the structural alternative(s)/functional alternative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.
The present invention aims to overcome the defects of the existing de-aeration system of hydraulic tanks by providing a hydraulic reservoir with in-built cyclone inducer enabling rapid and efficient release of air entrained in the hydraulic fluid. The cyclone inducer of the present invention is provided with a chamber, which receives hydraulic fluid flow returning from the hydraulic system flowing through the return line filter along a central axis of the cyclone inducer chamber. The hydraulic fluid is directed towards the orifice, which creates cyclonic action of fluid at higher velocity along the side wall of the hydraulic reservoir. This induced circular flow causes the denser hydraulic fluid to move radially outwards and aerated fluid due to centrifugal action separates the air to flow inward. The entrapped air released rapidly from the fluid will move toward the centre and float upwards due to buoyancy, and is released to the atmosphere from the surface of the hydraulic fluid.
As shown in Fig.1 & Fig. 2, the present invention provides a reduced volume hydraulic reservoir (121) with in-built cyclone inducer enabling rapid and efficient release of air entrained in the hydraulic fluid, comprising of : a bottom plate (122), positioned at the lower end of the hydraulic reservoir (121), wherein said bottom plate (122) supports the entire hydraulic reservoir assembly (121); a side wall (123), positioned on the upper end of the said bottom plate (122), Wherein said side wall (123) is provided with a circular wall section (135), wherein said side wall (123) along with the said circular wall section (135) encloses a hydraulic fluid holding chamber (124); a cyclone inducer (125), positioned in the hydraulic reservoir (121), wherein said cyclone inducer (125) is positioned inside the side wall (123) assembly and is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid holding chamber (124), wherein said cyclone inducer (125) is provided with a fluid inlet (126) and a fluid outlet (127), wherein said fluid outlet (127) is smaller in size with respect to the fluid inlet (126), wherein said fluid inlet (126) and fluid outlet (127) are positioned in a vertical axis with respect to each other; a connection tube (128), positioned adjacent to the said cyclone inducer (125) on the side wall (123) assembly, wherein said connection tube (128) directs the flow of de-aerated hydraulic fluid towards the hydraulic pump (132); and a top plate (129), positioned on the top end of the said side wall (123) assembly, wherein said top plate (129) is provided with a fluid inlet (126) and an air vent (130), wherein said fluid inlet (126) enables the aerated hydraulic fluid to flow inside the cyclone inducer (125), wherein said air vent (130), enables the release of air separated from the hydraulic fluid to escape into the atmosphere .
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said fluid inlet (126) is positioned in a vertical axis with respect to the fluid outlet (127) and fluid outflow through connection tube (128).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said fluid flow through the outlet (127) and fluid outflow through connection tube (128) are positioned on same axis but in opposing direction.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said fluid outlet (127) is a controlled orifice which enable to control the size of the outlet opening (127).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said fluid outlet (127) is a rectangular orifice selected from a machined controlled orifice or a fabricated leaf spring.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the velocity of fluid flow at fluid outlet (127) is higher than the fluid flow velocity at the fluid inlet (126). Wherein said fluid flow velocity at the fluid outlet (127) is three to five times higher than the fluid flow velocity at the fluid inlet (126).
As shown in Fig.3, the method of removing air entrained in the hydraulic fluid by employing the hydraulic reservoir (121) with reduced volume and in-built cyclone inducer according to the present invention, involves, the aerated hydraulic fluid flow returning from hydraulic system (133) flows through return line filter (134) and is directed into the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid inlet (126) positioned in a central axis to the cyclone inducer (125). The fluid flowing out of the cyclone inducer (125) passes through the fluid outlet (127). When the fluid passes through the fluid outlet (127) which is a controlled orifice, the pressure energy is converted into kinetic energy and the fluid velocity is increased. Outside the cyclone inducer (125), the fluid is directed towards the circular wall portion (135) of the side wall assembly inside the holding chamber (124). The fluid at a higher velocity flowing through the circular wall (135), creates a cyclonic action which induces swirling pattern in the aerated hydraulic fluid. This cyclonic action forces the denser fluid to move radially outward, towards the side wall and air being less dense, moves radially inward toward the center axis of the holder chamber (124). The entrapped air at the centre of the holding chamber (124) floats upwards due to buoyancy, and escapes through air vent (130) positioned on the top plate (129). Thus the entrapped air is released rapidly to the atmosphere from the surface of the hydraulic fluid. The de-aerated hydraulic fluid is directed to the hydraulic pump (132) via the connection tube (128).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerated hydraulic fluid flow from filter (134) completely passes to the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid inlet (126).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the de-aerated hydraulic fluid from the holder chamber (124) is directed to the hydraulic pump (132) with a positive suction pressure via the said connection tube (128).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the de-aerated high pressure hydraulic fluid from the pump (132) is directed into hydraulic system (133). From the hydraulic system (133) upon completion of work the aerated hydraulic fluid returns to the hydraulic reservoir (121) assembly through the line filter (134) via the fluid inlet (126). This cycle repeats.
Due to the rapid air release from the hydraulic fluid, the fluid is not required to stay inside reservoir (121) for longer time. Hence the volume of hydraulic fluid that needs to be stored in the reservoir is reduced, thus reducing the reservoir (121) volume and capacity. Further the cost of first fill and subsequent replacement cost of hydraulic fluid is also reduced.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the said cyclone inducer (125) is provided with a circular wall (136) with a first end (137) and second end (138), a side wall (139) with a first end (140) and a second end (141), wherein first end (140) of the side wall (139) is positioned in connection with the said first end (137) of the circular wall (136), wherein said side wall (139) co-exist with the sidewall (123) of the said hydraulic assembly, and a barrier (142) with a first end (143) and a second end (144), positioned in an inclined direction with respect to the side wall (139), wherein said first end (143) of the barrier (142) is positioned in connection with the said second end (138) of the circular wall (136), wherein said second end (141) of the side wall (139) and said second end (144) of the barrier (142) leading to the fluid outlet (127), wherein the said barrier (142) separates the cyclone inducer (125) from the holding chamber (124).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein distance between the first end (140) of the side wall (139) and first end (143) of the barrier (142) is larger with respect to the fluid outlet (127) opening formed between the said second end (141) of the side wall (139) and said second end (144) of the barrier (142). This imparts higher velocity to the hydraulic fluid passing from the cyclone inducer (125) chamber through the fluid outlet (127) by converting the pressure energy into kinetic energy.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said hydraulic reservoir assembly (121) is welded construction with no moving elements.
In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said hydraulic reservoir assembly (121) can be assembled in both stationary and mobile hydraulic equipment.
In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said hydraulic reservoir assembly (121) can be adopted for varying pump flow capacity.
EXAMPLE 1
In the reduced volume hydraulic reservoir with inbuilt cyclone inducer for removing entrapped air from hydraulic fluid, the aerated hydraulic fluid returning from hydraulic system (133) flowing through the return line filter (134) is completely directed into the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid inlet (126). The said fluid inlet (126) is positioned in a central axis to the cyclone inducer (125). The said cyclone inducer (125) chamber comprises of a circular wall (136), a side wall (139) and a barrier (142). The fluid in the cyclone inducer (125) passes out through the fluid outlet (127) formed between the second end (141) of the side wall (139) and second end (144) of the barrier (142). When the fluid passes out through the fluid outlet (127) which is a controlled orifice with smaller area when compared to the fluid inlet (126), the pressure energy is converted into kinetic energy and the fluid velocity is increased. The fluid coming out of the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid outlet (127) is directed towards the circular wall portion (135) of the side wall (122) assembly in the holding chamber (124). This fluid flowing out at a higher velocity along the circular wall, creates a cyclonic action which induces centrifugal action in the aerated hydraulic fluid. This cyclonic action forces the denser fluid to move radially outward, towards the side wall and air being less dense, moves radially inward toward the center axis of the holder chamber (124). The entrapped air which moved towards the centre of the holding chamber (124) floats upwards due to buoyancy, and escapes through the air vent (130) positioned on the top plate (129) of the hydraulic assembly (121). Thus the entrapped air is released rapidly to the atmosphere from the surface of the hydraulic fluid. The de-aerated hydraulic fluid present in the holder chamber (124) is directed to the hydraulic pump (132) with a positive suction pressure via the said connection tube (128). By means of the hydraulic fluid pump (132) the de-aerated high pressure hydraulic fluid is pumped into hydraulic system (133) for working. From the hydraulic system (133) upon completion of work the aerated hydraulic fluid returns to the hydraulic reservoir (121) assembly through the line filter (134) via the fluid inlet (126). The cycle repeats continuously.
Due to rapid air release from the hydraulic fluid, the fluid is not required to stay inside reservoir (121) for longer time. This reduces the volume of hydraulic fluid that needs to be stored in the reservoir, thereby reducing the reservoir (121) volume and capacity. Further the cost of first fill and subsequent replacement cost of hydraulic fluid is also reduced.
EXAMPLE 2
Fig. 4 represents the hydraulic reservoir system with increased hydraulic fluid holding capacity according to the prior-art. Figure 5 represents the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer for removing entrapped air from hydraulic fluid with reduced fluid holding capacity according to the present invention. The technical data comparing the prior-art hydraulic reservoir and the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer according to the present invention are given.
Description Unit Hydraulic reservoir without cyclone inducer Hydraulic reservoir with Cyclone arrangement
Hydraulic tank, filled liters 280 180
Circulation-Gear pump cc/rev 16 16+16
Flow thro Cooler LPM 33.6 67.2
Engine Power Kw 75 75
Operation speed rpm 2100 2100
Max. flow(main pump) l/min 260 260
The above table shows for the same technical data set, the conventional prior-art hydraulic reservoir without cyclone inducer requires an increased hydraulic fluid holding capacity of 280 litres, whereas the hydraulic reservoir of the present invention with cyclone inducer requires a reduced fluid holding capacity of only 180 litres. This reduces the hydraulic tank capacity and space constrain in mobile equipment, making the hydraulic reservoir to be comfortably adaptable in mobile equipment.
EXAMPLE 3
Figure 6 shows the stimulation of the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer. The simulation shows the velocity of hydraulic fluid flow along the in-line filter (134) into the cyclone chamber (125) via the fluid inlet (126) and out flow of fluid through the connection tube fluid outlet (128). The simulation clearly indicates the increase in velocity of fluid flow exiting the cyclone inducer via the fluid outlet (127). This region with increased fluid velocity is indicated by A. When the hydraulic fluid enters the cyclone inducer (125) via the fluid inlet (126) at 1.5 m/sec velocity, the same hydraulic fluid exits the cyclone inducer via the fluid outlet (127) at 4.9 m/sec velocity. This increased velocity is shown by the simulation results. This increased velocity induces a centrifugal pattern to the hydraulic fluid through the circular wall (135) of the holding chamber (124).
EXAMPLE 4
Figure 7 shows the stimulation of the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer. The stimulation shows the density of hydraulic fluid flowing along the hydraulic reservoir (121) with inbuilt cyclone inducer. It is clearly shown in the simulation that the density of the hydraulic fluid inside the cyclone inducer (125) chamber, at the side walls and in the connection tube are high and is the same. While the density at the centre of the holding chamber (124) is low. This low density region is indicated by B. Due to the centrifugal motion induced by the cyclone inducer (125), the hydraulic fluid in the holding chamber undergoes a swirling circular pattern (C). This cyclonic action forces the denser fluid to move radially outward, towards the side wall and air being less dense, moves radially inward toward the center axis (B) of the holder chamber (124). The entrapped air which moved towards the centre of the holding chamber (124) floats upwards due to buoyancy, and escapes through the air vent (130) positioned on the top plate (129) of the hydraulic assembly (121). Thus the entrapped air is released rapidly to the atmosphere from the surface of the hydraulic fluid. The de-aerated hydraulic fluid present in the holder chamber (124) is directed to the hydraulic pump (132) with a positive suction pressure via the said connection tube (128).
EXAMPLE 5
Figure 8 shows the chart comparing the hydraulic pump suction side pressure of the hydraulic reservoir without cyclone inducer (151) and hydraulic reservoir with cyclone inducer (152). It is shown that the suction pressure is in higher side for the hydraulic reservoir with cyclone inducer and the suction pressure is in lower side for the hydraulic reservoir without cyclone inducer.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the invention may be made by a person skilled in the art.