Description:‘TEST BENCH FOR TESTING COMPACT HYDRAULIC VANE PUMP AND MOTOR UNIT’

FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The invention relates to a test bench developed for testing high-speed vane pumps, along with a motor to drive it, for special applications. This invention relates more particularly to an optimized test bench for performance testing and study of hydraulic characteristics of compact high-speed vane pump variants for special applications.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] Vane pumps are used in applications where the flow is to be constant under different pressure conditions. Usually, vane pumps are motor-driven with or without a gearbox. A test bench is required to test the hydraulic characteristics of the designed vane pump for both its design and off-design points.

PRIOR ART:
[004] Reference may be made to the following known technologies:
[005] US patent No. 4,368,638 describes a test stand for testing hydraulic devices such as hydraulic pumps and motors, either separately or jointly. The test stand has a primary power source that acts in combination with a hydraulic motor to drive a drive train, which again operates the hydraulic pump. A pressure control means is present in the passage means for sensing and preventing the pressure from going above a predetermined value. The test stand also has power regenerative features wherein the hydraulic motor is capable of converting the fluid pressure into mechanical power.
[006] Another version of a test stand has been described in US patent No. 4798086A. The test bench utilizes an electric motor to drive a variable displacement pressure compensated pump. The discharge fluid from the pump drives a variable displacement hydraulic motor which in turn drives the test pump. The electric motor also drives another variable displacement pressure compensated pump, the discharge flow of which is directed to a test motor. The test motor, in turn, drives the variable displacement motor which thus functions as a pump to direct pressurized fluid to the variable displacement pump, which in turn functions as a motor to add additional power to the variable displacement pump through the electric motor in a regenerative manner. The discharge fluid from the test pump is also directed to the hydraulic motor to add additional driving energy thereto in a regenerative manner.

[007] US patent No: US3942375A utilizes a conventional dynamometer for testing a hydraulic pump. The dynamometer is used to mechanically drive the pump and the hydraulic system of the dynamometer is used to supply the test pump with hydraulic fluid. A flow meter is connected to the tested pump for registering the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the fluid being pumped by the test pump.
[008] The present invention utilizes the dynamometer to drive a test pump and also utilizes the dynamometer hydraulic circuit to supply the hydraulic fluid to the test pump. The various gauges and meters on the dynamometer may be used to evaluate the performance of the test pump. In addition, a flow meter is inserted into the hydraulic circuit with the test pump so as to further measure the performance of the test pump.

[009] Another patent SU1645621A1 relates to the testing of hydraulic machines, in particular, to stand for the testing of volumetric hydraulic actuators. The aim of the invention is to simplify the design of the stand. The test-stand for pumps, containing a drive motor, is kinematically connected to the input link of a three-link planetary gearbox. Secondly, kinematically connected to the shaft of the test pump, and the epicyclic planetary gear wheel with a constant-displacement hydromachine with pressure hydraulic line, a loading and measuring system for pump performance. In order to simplify the design of the stand, the hydromachine of a constant working volume is made in the form of a pump, the pressure head of which is equipped with a flow controller, and the outlet of the latter is connected to the hydraulic tank.

[0010] Patent No: CN202250771U a test bench for the lubricating oil pump of an internal combustion engine and relates to a test bench of a lubricating oil pump. The test bench tests the assembly performance of the gear pump, the rotor pump, and another volumetric lubricating oil pump of an internal combustion engine, and comprises a driving motor, a torque-rotation speed measuring instrument, a thermometer, a manometer, a regulating valve, a reversing valve, a gear flowmeter, an oil tank, a heating thermostat, an overflow valve, a vacuum pressure gauge, and a suction strainer. The said test bench also comprises a transparent flowmeter which is serially connected behind the manometer and on an outlet pipe before the regulating valve and the overflow valve.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0011] It is therefore an objective of the invention to propose a test bench for testing of hydraulic vane pump along with motor for its hydraulic features and performance characteristics.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide Test bench for testing compact hydraulic vane pump and motor unit, which is simple in construction.

[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide Test bench for testing compact hydraulic vane pump and motor unit, which functions efficiently.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0015] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

[0016] With the foregoing objects in view, the present invention provides a test bench with connecting pipes and hoses for the flow of the fluid, into and out of the vane pump. A pressure control means is present so as to control the outlet side of pump pressure at a predetermined level. Thus depressurized fluid is collected in the fluid reservoir which is connected to the inlet side of the pump. The fluid reservoir has a provision of a drain-off valve, pressure gauge line, and connection to the hydraulic pressure line. A Heat exchanger is also present in line so as to maintain constant or near-constant temperatures, different from ambient. There is a provision of a bypass line so as to control the pressure drop/rise in the discharge line accordingly.

[0017] According to this invention, there is provided a test bench for hydraulic and performance testing of a compact vane pump motor unit with a charging inlet, a discharge outlet having-
- a primary power source;
- a piping circuit interconnecting the hydraulic devices;
- means for communicating the discharge fluid from the test pump to the hydraulic reservoir charge means for delivering fluid to said low-pressure side of said passage means for controlling the pressure after the exit of the pump to the hydraulic reservoir/suction side of the pump means for adjusting the discharge side pressure fluid pressure for performance testing and pressure control means for preventing build-up of pressure within the said high-pressure side of said passage means above a predetermined value.

[0018] Said communicating means includes a pressure controlling system with pressure relief valve and pressure control valve connected in parallel in the piping circuit towards the hydraulic reservoir.

[0019] The test bench includes a flow meter disposed of in the piping circuit on the exit side or charging side of the pump.

[0020] Said pressure relief valve includes adjustment means for selectively varying said preselected rate of flow.

[0021] Passage means for fluidly connecting said hydraulic pump motor unit in a closed-loop. Said passage means is having a high-pressure side and a low- pressure side.

[0022] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0023] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING:
[0025] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:-

[0026] Figure-1 shows: a schematic diagram indicating the configuration of a test bench for testing the hydraulic vane pump and motor according to the invention.

[0027] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING:

[0028] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] The present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to a Test bench for testing compact hydraulic vane pump and motor unit.

[0030] Reference may be made to Fig-1, which illustrates a test stand (12) for testing the operability, and/or efficiency of hydraulic devices. The test-stand (12) includes a primary power source (1) (along with vane pump), a hydraulic fluid reservoir (4), a set of instruments (8, 9, 10), a heat exchanger to maintain constant temperature compared with reference to ambient temperature, a means to control the pressure (2) along with a bypass line (5) for controlling the operation of the hydraulic vane pump along with motor (1) and network of piping (13) connecting the motor pump unit to hydraulic reservoir (4). A hydraulic fluid reservoir (4) is connected to drain off valve (6) and pressure release valve (7) as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0031] The primary power source is hydraulically connected to pump unit (1), which is preferably an electric motor, to drive pump and supply the initial start-up power. The hydraulic motor coupled to the vane pump (1) has the ability to convert mechanical power into fluid pressure.

[0032] The hydraulic pump and motor unit (1) is powered by electrical power (not shown in the figure). The exit side of the pump is a high-pressure side, connected to hydraulic reservoir (4) by means of piping which has pressure gauge 8, the temperature sensor (9) and flow meter (10) to confirm the quantity of flow/discharge from the pump. Heat exchanger (11) may be located on the suction side of the pump or discharge side of the pump unit. The pressure control device (2) is used to control the pressure downstream of the pump motor unit (1) which is connected to fluid reservoir (4). The suction side of pump motor unit (1) is connected to fluid reservoir (4) from another end by means of flexible metallic hoses / structural pipes. Thus a closed circuit is formed.
[0033] Attached across the high-pressure side is a pressure control means (2). This pressure control means (2) serves to relieve the high-pressure fluid from the exit of pump motor unit (1). Such a pressure control means is essential to control the fluid pressure en route to fluid reservoir (4). The pressure control means (2) includes a relief valve and another pressure control valve. The relief valve and pressure regulation system valves are connected in parallel to the high-pressure side of the pump motor unit (1) on exit side piping. The fluid passes through the pressure regulation valves with diminished pressure to the level required and returned to a hydraulic reservoir (4). Bypass line (5) is connected to piping which leads to hydraulic reservoir (4). As the name suggests, bypass line (5) is to bypass pressure regulation system (2) in cases where the required pressure control from pressure regulation system (2) is not required.

[0034] Connected to the low-pressure side or suction side of pump motor unit (1) are filter (3) (metallic or non-metallic), pressure gauge (8), the temperature sensor (9), which are connected to piping (13). Said filter (3) is essential so as to stop the dust particles from entering the pump motor unit (1), which could lead to catastrophic failures.

WORKING OF THE INVENTION:
[0035] In operation, the test stand (12) is designed to test the operability of newly designed hydraulic pump motor unit (1). In testing a hydraulic pump in combination with a hydraulic motor, the test stand (12) would function as follows:

[0036] The hydraulic pump motor 1 is powered using the primary power source. Pump motor unit (1) draws the fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir (4), through the suction line as described above. The fluid is then pumped by the hydraulic pump unit (1) at a higher pressure. Thus the high-pressure hydraulic fluid is controlled in terms of pressure to the intended pressure by pressure regulation system (2). The pressure, temperature, and flow measurements are noted from pressure gauge (8), the temperature sensor (9), and flow meter (10). Multiples of pressure gauges (8) are required so as to control the pressure before and after pressure regulation system (2). The depressurized or pressure controlled fluid is guided to the hydraulic fluid reservoir in the intended pressure levels using the piping system (13). Hydraulic fluid is drawn from the hydraulic fluid reservoir (3) to pump motor unit (1). Thus new or repaired high-speed vane pump motor unit (1) is tested for its hydraulic behaviour and performance testing.

ADVANATGES OF THE INVENTION:

- The test set up is mobile and can be used anywhere to test the unit (qualification tests);
- Can be used even by semi skilled with small handson training;
- Design philosophy can be extended to high pressure and high flows.

[0037] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0038] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0039] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0040] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[0042] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0043] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A Test bench for testing compact hydraulic vane pump and motor unit comprising of test-stand (12) including a primary power source (1), a hydraulic fluid reservoir (4), a set of instruments (8,9,10), a heat exchanger to maintain constant temperature compared with reference to ambient temperature, a means to control the pressure (2) along with a bypass line (5) for controlling the operation of the hydraulic vane pump along with motor (1) and network of piping (13) connecting the motor pump unit to hydraulic reservoir (4); wherein the primary power source is hydraulically connected to pump unit (1), and the exit side of the pump is a high-pressure side, connected to hydraulic reservoir (4) by piping which has pressure gauge (8), temperature sensor (9) and flow meter (10) to confirm the quantity of flow/discharge from the pump.

2. The test bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic motor is coupled to the vane pump (1) so as to convert mechanical power into fluid pressure.

3. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-2, wherein the pump unit (1) is preferably an electric motor so as to drive pump and supply the initial start-up power.

4. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the Heat exchanger (11) is located on the suction side of the pump / discharge side of the pump unit.

5. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the pressure control device (2) is provided to control the pressure downstream of the pump motor unit (1) which is connected to fluid reservoir (4).

6. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein the suction side of pump motor unit (1) is connected to fluid reservoir (4) from another end by multiple hoses / structural pipes.

7. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein the pressure control means (2) is attached across the high-pressure side, in which the pressure control means (2) serves to relieve the high-pressure fluid from the exit of the pump motor unit (1).

8. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-7, wherein the pressure control means (2) includes a relief valve and another pressure control valve, in which the relief valve and pressure regulation system valves are connected in parallel to the high-pressure side of the pump motor unit (1) on exit side piping.

9. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-8, wherein bypass line (5) is connected to piping which leads to hydraulic reservoir (4).

10. The test bench as claimed in claims 1-9, wherein connected to the low-pressure side / suction side of pump motor unit (1) are filter (3), pressure gauge (8), the temperature sensor (9), which are provided in connection with piping (13).