Portable Self-Powered Hydraulic Pump Apparatus

Abstract

A portable hydraulic pump apparatus that is self-powered, wherein an onboard fuel-powered engine is provided to drive the hydraulic pump, the units being mounted onto a wheeled cart such that the apparatus is easily moved to a remote location as needed.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/139,098, filed Mar. 27, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of hydraulic pumps, and more particularly to the field of portable hydraulic pumps, and even more particularly to the field of self-powered portable hydraulic pumps.

[0003] There are numerous circumstances where a portable hydraulic pump is needed, such that the hydraulic pump can be easily moved to a position near equipment that requires hydraulic power. For example, frequent testing of the hydraulic systems of aircraft such as helicopters is required by regulation. Known portable hydraulic pumps operated by electric motors require a hard wire connection to the electrical grid, i.e., the power unit must be plugged into a power source in order to operate the hydraulic pump. In many situations however there is no readily accessible electrical outlet or source availability in the near proximity of the helicopter. Thus, the portability range of the hydraulic pump is limited, unless multiple extension/power cords are utilized, which is often impractical and creates safety hazards to personnel.

[0004] It is an object of this invention to provide a portable hydraulic pump apparatus that is self-powered, wherein an onboard fuel-powered (e.g., gasoline) engine is provided to drive the hydraulic pump, the units being mounted onto a wheeled cart such that the apparatus is easily moved to a remote location as needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention is in general a portable self-powered hydraulic pump apparatus, the apparatus comprising a hydraulic pump powered by a dedicated fuel-powered, non-electric engine, both units mounted onto a wheeled cart for mobility. The apparatus is structured such that the hydraulic pump and the fuel-powered engine are small enough to be easily transportable, while the engine and pump are sufficiently powerful to deliver hydraulic fluid to a piece of equipment, such as a helicopter for testing operations, at a minimum pressure of approximately 1200 psi, and more preferably able to deliver hydraulic fluid at a minimum pressure of at least approximately 5000 psi, such that the apparatus is suitable for providing hydraulic power for testing the majority of commercial and private helicopters. In general, the apparatus comprises a heavy-duty wheeled cart, a fuel-powered engine, a hydraulic pump, a flow control regulator mechanism, a flow meter, a pressure regulator, a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, a function control mechanism, a high flow filter and automatic flow cutoff hydraulic hose connector fittings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a representative schematic of the operational systems and flow paths of the hydraulic pump apparatus.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a representative illustration of the hydraulic pump apparatus.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a representative illustration of the panel portion of the hydraulic pump apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is in general a portable, self-powered hydraulic pump apparatus comprising a non-electric, fuel-powered (e.g., gasoline) engine and a hydraulic pump, both mounted onto a wheeled cart, the apparatus especially suited for providing hydraulic fluid to aircraft, and in particular helicopters, for testing operations. In general, the apparatus comprises a heavy-duty wheeled cart, a fuel-powered engine, a hydraulic pump, a flow control regulator mechanism, a flow meter, a pressure regulator, a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, a function control mechanism, a high flow filter and automatic flow cutoff hydraulic hose connector fittings.

[0010] With reference to the FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydraulic pump apparatus will now be described in greater detail. A heavy-duty multi-wheeled cart 10 is provided, the cart 10 having a base area 101 adapted to support the non-electric, fuel-powered engine or motor 11 and the hydraulic pump 12. As shown in FIG. 2, a cart 10 having two pneumatic tires 102 and an upstanding frame 103 retaining a panel 104 to receive various controls, gauges and the like is suitable. The invention is not limited to this embodiment, as carts with 3 or 4 wheels or with varying structures will also be suitable.

[0011] The engine 11 must be of a size sufficient to power the hydraulic pump 12, and an 8 hp gasoline engine has been found to be acceptable. In a preferred embodiment, the engine 11 has an electric starter, in which case a DC battery 20 may be provided, the battery 20 being recharged by the alternator of the alternator of the engine 11.

[0012] The hydraulic pump 12 should be capable of delivering hydraulic fluid at a minimum of approximately 1200 psi at up to approximately 7 gpm (gallons per minute). Hydraulic pumps 12 of varying sizes may be utilized. For example, a 26 hp hydraulic pump 12 capable of producing up to approximately 5000 psi at a flow rate of up to approximately 14 gpm is preferred to cover the full range of helicopter hydraulic systems. Commercially it may be advisable to offer three separate apparatuses, a base model providing approximately 1200-1500 psi at up to approximately 7 gpm, a midline model providing up to approximately 3000 psi at up to approximately 10 gpm, and a topline model providing up to approximately 5000 psi at up to approximately 14 gpm.

[0013] Various equipment, controls and gauges are mounted or attached to the panel 104 on the cart 10 in a manner that provides for easy access and visibility, with such equipment, controls and gauges being in fluid communication for delivery and return of the hydraulic fluid under desired pressure and flow rate. A function control mechanism 13 controls the operational mode of the apparatus, such that the apparatus is either operations and delivering hydraulic fluid at high pressure and suitable flow to and returned from the helicopter 200, or in nonoperational or idle mode wherein hydraulic fluid is recirculated within the apparatus and not delivered to the helicopter 200. The function control mechanism 13 also acts as an emergency cutoff if such is needed. The function control mechanism 13 may comprise a ball valve operated by a lever. A flow control or regulator mechanism 14 is provided such that the flow rate is adjustable to a desired gpm. A flow meter 18 provides a visual indication of the flow rate to the operator. A pressure regulator mechanism 15 is provided to adjust the delivery pressure of the hydraulic fluid, with a pressure gauge 16 to provide a visual indication of the pressure to the operator. A temperature gauge 17 is also provided to provide a visual indication of the fluid temperature to the operator.

[0014] A set of hose connector fittings 21 are provided for connecting a delivery hydraulic hose to provide hydraulic fluid under proper pressure and flow to the helicopter 200 and a return hydraulic hose to return the hydraulic fluid from the helicopter 200 to the apparatus. Most preferably quick connect fittings are utilized, and the connector fittings 21 on the apparatus are of the type that automatically close when the connection is broken, i.e., a hose is disconnected, in order to prevent accidental loss of hydraulic fluid. Preferably, interchangeable fittings having different pitches are provided so as to be compatible to the fittings of helicopters 20 of different types and origin.

[0015] A high flow rate filter 19 is provided to filter hydraulic fluid returned from helicopter 200 prior to its return into the hydraulic pump 12 to remove any trach or debris. A 125 micro stainless steel filter is suitable. Because the hydraulic pump apparatus utilizes hydraulic fluid from the helicopter 200 itself, there is no need to provide a storage or auxiliary fluid tank.

[0016] The hydraulic pump apparatus is utilized to provide hydraulic power to a helicopter's, or other type of equipment's, hydraulic systems by wheeling the apparatus to a location adjacent the helicopter 200. The hoses are then connected to the helicopter's hydraulic system to be tested and the flow control mechanism 14 is adjusted to produce the desired flow rate. The power and hydraulic switches of the helicopter 200 are then initiated and the fuel-powered engine 11 is started to power the hydraulic pump 12 to deliver in a recirculating manner hydraulic fluid to the helicopter systems. The proper testing procedures relative to the helicopter 200 are then followed. Once the test is completed, the hydraulic pump apparatus is turned off and disconnected.

[0017] It is understood that equivalents and substitutions for certain elements set forth above may be obvious to those of skill in the art, and therefore the true scope and definition of the invention is to be as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable hydraulic pump apparatus adapted to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure comprising: a wheeled cart; a hydraulic pump mounted to said cart; a non-electric, fuel-powered engine mounted to said cart, said engine powering said hydraulic pump; a flow control mechanism to adjust the flow rate of hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a pressure regulator mechanism to adjust the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a pressure gauge providing a visual indication of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a flow meter providing a visual indication of the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; and a function control mechanism to control the operational mode of said apparatus between an operational delivery mode and a non-operational idle mode; said hydraulic pump, said low control mechanism, said pressure regulator mechanism, said pressure gauge, said flow meter and said function control mechanism being in fluid communication.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a high flow rate filter in fluid communication with said hydraulic pump, said low control mechanism, said pressure regulator mechanism, said pressure gauge, said flow meter and said function control mechanism.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said engine is an electric start engine, and further comprising a DC battery mounted to said cart, said DC battery providing power to start said engine and said DC battery being recharged by said engine.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising quick connect hose fittings in fluid communication with said hydraulic pump, said low control mechanism, said pressure regulator mechanism, said pressure gauge, said flow meter and said function control mechanism, said quick connect hose fittings adapted to connect to hydraulic hoses.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said quick connect hose fittings automatically close when disconnected from a hydraulic hose.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of at least 1200 psi at a flow rate of up to 7 gallons per minute.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of up to 5000 psi at a flow rate of up to 14 gallons per minute.

8. A portable hydraulic pump apparatus adapted to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure comprising: a wheeled cart; a hydraulic pump mounted to said cart; a non-electric, fuel-powered engine mounted to said cart, said engine powering said hydraulic pump; a flow control mechanism to adjust the flow rate of hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a pressure regulator mechanism to adjust the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a pressure gauge providing a visual indication of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a flow meter providing a visual indication of the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; and a function control mechanism to control the operational mode of said apparatus between an operational delivery mode and a non-operational idle mode; a high flow rate filter; quick connect hose fittings adapted to connect to hydraulic hoses, wherein said quick connect hose fittings automatically close when disconnected; said hydraulic pump, said low control mechanism, said pressure regulator mechanism, said pressure gauge, said flow meter, said function control mechanism, said high flow rate filter, and said quick connect hose fittings being in fluid communication.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said engine is an electric start engine, and further comprising a DC battery mounted to said cart, said DC battery providing power to start said engine and said DC battery being recharged by said engine.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of at least 1200 psi at a flow rate of up to 7 gallons per minute.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of up to 5000 psi at a flow rate of up to 14 gallons per minute.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of at least 1200 psi at a flow rate of up to 7 gallons per minute.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of up to 5000 psi at a flow rate of up to 14 gallons per minute.

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