EP0824193A2

EP0824193A2 - Hydraulic actuator for pressure switch of fluidic system

Info

Publication number: EP0824193A2
Application number: EP19970106721
Authority: EP
Inventors: Osvaldo Valdes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-04-23
Filing date: 1997-04-23
Publication date: 1998-02-18

Abstract

An hydraulic actuator of a constant pressure fluidic supply system is disclosed in which a movable shuttle disposed within a generally cylindrical housing forms therewith a plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies. Displacement of the shuttle within the housing is governed substantially by opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces balanced so as to selectively isolate a pump control pressure switch from system pressure during periods of moderate to high consumption demand and provide communication therewith during periods of low to zero consumption demand. An hydropneumatic tank or a conventional diaphragm tank may be used in combination with the actuator to provide fluidic capacitance to the system. Additional system valving and pressure regulation may be incorporated as desired. In alternative embodiments, pump stop time-delay mechanisms and pressure tanks may be employed. Electrical switches may be used in place of pressure switches.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Serial No. 08/319,512, filed October 7, 1994, now pending and which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to automatic control of a fluidic pump in a pressurized fluidic pumping system and more specifically to an hydraulic actuator useful for isolating a pressure switch or an electrical switch from system pressure during periods of pump flow greater than a predetermined volumetric flow rate.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Fluidic pumping systems such as those presently widely utilized in domestic water supply applications often employ a pressure switch which turns an electrically driven pump on when the system pressure falls below a predetermined cut-in pressure and turns the pump off when the system pressure rises above a predetermined cut-out pressure. Such systems often incorporate a conventional diaphragm tank which includes both pressurized air and system fluid separated by a flexible bladder or other element. Diaphragm tanks are desirable from an operational standpoint as they may reduce cycling of the pump by providing a limited amount of fluidic capacitance in the supply system. Systems of this type, however, may be characterized by supply pressure which varies, depending both on the amount of fluid in the tank as well as the operational state of the pump. Supply pressure variability is generally undesirable from the standpoint of a user. Such systems are also relatively expensive to procure initially as well as maintain due to the initial cost and limited life of both the diaphragm tank and pump motor. Additionally, the tank displaces a relatively large volume thereby requiring accommodation of the apparatus in a zone of sufficient size which might otherwise be utilized for more advantageous purposes.

A recent substantial improvement in fluidic pumping systems useful in applications of the aforementioned type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,443 entitled Hydropneumatic Constant Pressure Device, granted to Valdes on March 2, 1993, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Briefly, the improved system disclosed therein includes a motor driven pump controlled by a pressure switch mounted to an hydraulic actuator port which is selectively isolated from internal system pressure during periods of consumption demand above a predetermined flow rate. Firstly, by operating the pump continuously during periods of demand, the system advantageously supplies a substantially constant pressure output. Further, depending on the particular application, pump motor cycling may be reduced significantly and the concomitant reduction in motor life associated therewith avoided. Additionally, the system obviates the cost and space claim associated with large, short-lived diaphragm tanks, system capacitance being provided by a small hydropneumatic arrangement as disclosed therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A less complex, inexpensive, improved hydraulic actuator having a selectively isolatable pressure switch port useful for controlling a fluidic pump in a pressurized supply system to deliver fluid at substantially constant pressure is comprised of a generally cylindrical housing having disposed therein a movable shuttle. The housing and shuffle combine to form three collinear piston and cylinder assemblies which cooperate, as a result of opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces, to isolate the pressure switch port during periods of fluidic flow through the actuator housing above a predetermined threshold volumetric flow rate. Such periods may correspond, for example, to moderate to high consumption. During these periods, the pump is activated and remains on, supplying fluidic flow to a consumption demand at substantially constant pressure. At flow rates at or below the threshold value, for example, corresponding to zero or low consumption demand, the shuttle is displaced in the housing permitting communication of system pressure, already above cut-out pressure, to the pressure switch port which deactivates the pump.

Depending on the particular application, the actuator may be advantageously used with a fluidic pump and pressure switch in combination with a variety of components, including small hydropneumatic tanks or more conventional diaphragm tanks with or without additional valving. Conventional pressure regulation apparatus may also be employed to limit pressurization of a diaphragm tank or supply system piping if desired.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a limited volumetric flow rate orifice at the pressure switch port delays communication of the system pressure to the pressure switch. In this embodiment, a pressure tank and the pressure switch are connected to the pressure switch port. The volume in this pressure tank is provided by the system pressure force acting against the force of a spring. The spring acts in turn on a piston adapted to move along a cylinder that is capable of containing a compressed volume. A check valve, such as a rubber ring V-seal, is used to discharge the compressed volume to the system pressure when the tank pressure is higher than the system pressure.

In yet another alternative embodiment, an electrical switch driven by relative movement of the piston may be substituted for the pressure switch. The electrical switch turns the pump off at a relative piston compression and turns the pump on at a relative piston expansion. A pressure adjustable dial may be connected to the electrical switch for adjusting the relative pressures for turning the pump on and off. The piston can include two elements, the first element having an elongated tee form and the second element having a helicoidal form. A graduated dial having a plurality of wheels is attached to the helicoidal element. The wheels of the graduated dial engage and disengage the electric switch under predetermined conditions.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner of modifying the invention as will be described. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth and differentiated in the appended claims. The invention in accordance with preferred and exemplary embodiments, together with further advantages thereof, is more particularly described in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, sectional view of an hydraulic actuator housing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, sectional view of an hydraulic actuator shuttle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic, sectional view of an assembled hydraulic actuator apparatus in a first operational state;

FIG. 3B is a schematic, sectional view of an assembled hydraulic actuator apparatus in another operational state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, sectional view of an assembled hydraulic actuator in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, block diagram of one embodiment of a preferred fluidic pumping system incorporating an hydraulic actuator according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, block diagram of an alternate embodiment of a fluidic pumping system incorporating an hydraulic actuator according to the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic, sectional view of a flow limiting valve utilized in the fluidic pumping system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an assembled hydraulic actuator apparatus in an operational state with an external pressure switch;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of portions of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an assembled hydraulic actuator apparatus in an operational state with a mechanical driven, built-in switch and pressure indicating dial; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic, sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the same apparatus of FIG. 8 but with rotating wheels acting as pressure adjustment means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic, sectional view of an hydraulic actuator housing 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Housing 10 is generally cylindrical and includes an inlet 12, at least one outlet 14 and a system pressure port 16 suitably configured to receive a pressure switch flange or otherwise provide a pressure tight fitting for connection with a pressure switch. The inlet 12 may be conventionally connected to an outlet of a fluidic pump, for example by a threaded connection, and the outlet 14 similarly connected to piping conveying pressurized fluid to a consumption device such as a faucet (not shown).

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic, sectional view of an hydraulic actuator shuttle 18 which is sized and configured to be received in close fitting relation within the housing 10. The cylindrical shuttle 18 cooperates with housing 10, constituting therewith a plurality of collinear piston and cylinder assemblies, namely sensor assembly 20, tractor assembly 26 and blocker assembly 32, as depicted in an assembled actuator 50 shown in FIG. 3B.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor assembly 20 includes sensor piston 22 of shuttle 18, sensor cylinder 24 of housing 10 and sensor seal 38; the tractor assembly 26 includes tractor piston 28 of housing 10, tractor cylinder 30 of shuttle 18 and tractor seal 40; and the blocker assembly 32 includes blocker piston 34 of shuttle 18,

blocker cylinder

36 of housing 10 and blocker seal 42. The sensor cylinder 24 also includes an optional longitudinal bypass channel 48, the purpose of which is discussed in detail below. With the exception of the bypass channel 48, the sensor, tractor and

blocker assemblies

20, 26, 32 are substantially symmetrical about respective longitudinal axes 44, 46 of housing 10 and shuttle 18. The axes 44, 46 are substantially collinear and coincident in the assembled state. In the exemplary embodiment depicted, sensor seal 38 is an O-ring retained by the sensor piston 22, tractor seal 40 is a V-seal retained by the tractor piston 28, and blocker seal 42 is an O-ring retained by the blocker cylinder 36; however, other types of seals and retention schemes may be substituted therefore and are considered within the scope of this invention.

In the assembled state, the shuttle 18 is substantially free to move longitudinally in the housing 10 within a predetermined range, subject primarily to opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces, as well as seal drag, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The range of motion of shuttle 18 is established by annular seat 60 of sensor cylinder 24 and annular end face 62 of blocker cylinder 36, which respectively abut portions of annular flow face 64 and annular pressure face 66 of shuttle 18 at shuttle travel limits.

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically depict an hydraulic actuator assembly 50 in two different operational states, in combination with a pressure switch 52 for controlling a pump. FIG. 3A depicts a high flow state in which the shuttle 18 is displaced in a downstream direction in the housing 10, as shown in the figure, due to the net hydrodynamic forte acting thereon by fluidic flow, shown generally at 68, entering housing 10 at inlet 12 and exiting at outlet 14. Any fluid in tractor assembly volume 76 is below system pressure in this state and urges upstream displacement of the shuttle 18 as discussed in further detail below. FIG. 3B depicts a zero or low flow state below a predetermined volumetric flow rate, in which the shuttle 18 is fully displaced in an upstream direction in the housing, as shown in the figure, due to the net hydrostatic force acting thereon by pressurized fluid in the housing 10, shown generally at 70.

Pressure switch

52 is conventional in nature, depicted here as being of the normally-closed electrical contact variety. Switch 52 includes a plunger 54 biased by compression spring 56 so that electrical contacts 58 are closed when the pressure of pressure port 16 sensed in pressure switch cavity 72 is less than a predetermined cut-out pressure. Closed contacts 58 may be used to complete an electrical circuit energizing an electric motor connected to a fluidic pump (not shown) providing pressurized fluid to inlet 12.

The operation of the actuator 50 in a typical consumption cycle may be described beginning with the configuration of FIG. 3B, a pressurized fluidic system having a system pressure, P_s, with no consumption and hence zero flow through the housing 10. System pressure is uniform throughout the housing 10, including at inlet 12, the bypass channel 48 ensuring normalization of system pressure across the sensor assembly 20. The shuttle 18 is therefore exposed to uniform pressure loading along all external, exposed surfaces including flow face 64 and pressure face 66. Shuttle 18 is advantageously configured such that surface area exposed to the pressurized fluid 70 at system pressure results in a net upstream longitudinal force, as depicted in the figure, which acts to seat the sensor piston 22 against seat 60, substantially blocking the inlet 12 to flow. In other words, the total area of radial surfaces of shuttle 18 exposed to system pressure from above, that is annular pressure face 66 and annulus 65, is greater than the total area of radial surfaces of shuttle 18 exposed to system pressure from below, namely annular flow face 64, as shown in FIG. 2. Differential surface area 67 is subject to a lower pressure than system pressure, this lower pressure being reduced further as tractor assembly volume 76 increases during downstream displacement of the shuttle 18. As pressure in volume 76 decreases, so too does pressure in pressure switch cavity 72, being in flow communication therewith by way of a blocker piston vent 74, preventing cut-out actuation of the pressure switch 52 during shuttle displacement. The net hydrostatic force acting on the shuttle 18 in the upstream direction may be conventionally determined as being approximated by the product of differential area 67 and the differential pressure acting thereon.

In this operational state with the shuttle 18 reaching full upstream travel, system pressure is being communicated to the pressure switch 52. The blocker piston 34 is displaced in the blocker cylinder 36 a sufficient distance to permit system pressure normalization across the blocker seal 42 and resultant communication of system pressure to pressure switch cavity 72 via pressure port 16. Plunger 54 is displaced against the spring 56 due to the net force acting thereon by the system pressure. The electrical contacts 58 are open; therefore, the electrically driven pump is idle.

Upon initiation of consumption, occasioned for example by the opening of a faucet or other device in flow communication with the outlet 14, pressure throughout the fluidic system, including throughout the actuator 50, falls. As the pressure at port 16 and pressure switch cavity 72 falls below a predetermined cut-out pressure, the plunger 54 is displaced outwardly or to the left, as shown in the figure, due to the bias of the spring 56 and the electrical contacts 58 are closed energizing an electrically driven pump. Pressurized fluidic output flow 68 from the pump encounters an actuator inlet 12 substantially blocked by movable flow face 64 of sensor piston 22 and fixed tractor piston 28. The hydrodynamic force of the fluidic flow 68, being sufficient to overcome any remaining net hydrostatic force on the shuttle 18, acts to displace the shuttle 18 from seat 60 in a downstream direction as depicted in FIG. 3A. As the shuttle 18 is displaced, the blocker piston 34 enters the blocker cylinder 36. Blocker piston 34, blocker cylinder 36 and blocker seal 42 cooperate to isolate pressure port 16 and volume 76 from rising system pressure as long as the shuttle 18 is so displaced. As a result, contacts 58 in pressure switch 52 remain closed and the pump runs continuously, thereby providing a substantially constant pressure supply for consumption, as long as consumption remains at a sufficiently high level that the net hydrodynamic force acting on shuttle 18 is greater than the net hydrostatic force acting thereon, thereby maintaining displacement of the shuttle 18 in the manner depicted.

As the consumption demand is reduced, for example due to partial closure of a faucet, the volumetric flow rate of the fluidic flow 68 decreases. At some point, the hydrodynamic force of the fluidic flow 68 acting on the shuttle 18 is insufficient to displace the shuttle pressure face 66 against blocker cylinder end face 62 and the shuttle 18 migrates in an upstream direction, downwardly in the figure, until the net hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces acting thereon are balanced. The lower the rate of fluidic flow 68, the more the shuttle 18 is displaced in an upstream direction as depicted in the figure. Once fluidic flow 68 passing through the housing 10 falls below a predetermined volumetric flow rate, the net hydrostatic force on the shuttle 18 is sufficient to fully displace the shuttle flow face 64 against seat 60. The blocker piston 38, being displaced in the blocker cylinder 36 a sufficient distance to permit system pressure normalization across the blocker seal 42, allows communication of system pressure to pressure switch cavity 72 via pressure port 16. At this stage, system pressure is greater than cut-out pressure and plunger 54 is displaced against the spring 56 due to the net force acting thereon by the system pressure, the electrical contacts 58 are opened and pump operation ceases. The fluidic system remains pressurized and the pump remains idle until consumption is initiated once again, as previously described.

As mentioned previously, beyond being controlled by opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces, the motion of the shuttle 18 is also subject to seal drag, which is related to friction between the mobile shuttle 18 and the housing 10 caused by compression of

seals

38, 40, 42 disposed therebetween. The net hydrostatic force acting on the shuttle 18 in a zero flow condition should be of sufficient magnitude to overcome seal drag so as to reliably abut shuttle flow face 64 against housing seat 60 to prevent continued isolation of the pressure switch port 16 after consumption has terminated resulting in unnecessary operation of the pump. For a given pump having a characteristic pressure profile with a known maximum pressure output, the net hydrostatic force acting on the shuttle 18 at zero flow may be predetermined as desired by selecting the magnitude of the differential area 67 exposed to lower pressure in volume 76. The greater the differential area 67 for a given pressure differential, the greater the closure force will be. Thus, in a typical application for a pump producing a maximum output pressure of fifty pounds per square inch acting on a shuttle 18 with a differential radial surface area 67 of 0.50 square inches, the closure force at zero flow would be up to about twenty-five pounds force in the upstream longitudinal direction. While the closure force should be selected groat enough to reliably overcome any seal drag, the closure force should not be so large as to cause excessive pressure loss of fluidic flow 68 passing through the actuator 50.

In order to further ensure reliable operation of the hydraulic actuator assembly 50 in a fluidic pumping system with varying consumption demand, in a preferred embodiment, the tractor assembly 26 may include a vent 74 disposed longitudinally through blocker piston 34 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Vent 74 provides for normalization of pressure between the variably sized volume 76 enclosed by tractor assembly 26 and pressure port 16. In this manner, the force required to displace the shuffle 18 is not substantially related to the volume 76 within the tractor assembly nor to that within switch cavity 72. Further, in order to prevent the occurrence of overpressurization of the pressure switch 52 or undesirable resistance to displacement of the shuttle 18 caused by fluid trapped in the tractor or

blocker assemblies

26, 32, a relief valve 78 may be provided which communicates the

respective volumes

76, 80 enclosed by the tractor and

blocker assemblies

26, 32 with system pressure, as shown in FIG. 3A. In the embodiment depicted, the relief valve 78 is a U-cup seal; however, any of a variety of relief valve schemes may be incorporated, including a spring loaded ball valve, for example. Any excess, overpressurized fluid trapped in

volumes

76, 80 which might tend to falsely actuate the pressure switch 52 or prevent free motion of the shuttle 18 under the net force associated with hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces acting thereon is automatically dumped through the valve 78 whereupon the fluid joins the fluidic flow 68 or pressurized fluid 70.

In an alternate embodiment hydraulic actuator assembly 51, depicted in FIG. 4, instead of venting volume 176 of tractor assembly 126 to system pressure, vent 174 provides for normalization of internal pressure of tractor assembly 126 with ambient. Vent 174 may be advantageously provided through tractor piston 128 and a radial support 102 thereof. No additional relief valving between blocker assembly 132 and system pressure is required for this configuration, as the fluid displaced from blocker assembly volume 180 due to shuttle movement is of insufficient volume to overpressurize a conventional pressure switch or cause considerable resistance to displacement of the shuttle 118. If desired, however, relief valving to system pressure may be provided in a manner similar to that depicted in FIG. 3A. All other elements and operational characteristics are similar to the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The opposing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces acting on the shuttle 18 permit the hydraulic actuator assembly 50 to operate in the advantageous manner described. As may be readily appreciated, much leeway is afforded in the relative sizing of diameters and longitudinal lengths associated with the sensor, tractor and

blocker assemblies

20, 26, 32 to achieve a desired operating characteristic; however, some general guidelines are relevant. For example, the diameter of sensor piston 22 is preferably larger than the diameter of tractor piston 28 in sufficient degree to provide proper radial area of flow face 64 upon which hydrodynamic forces primarily act. Pressure loss of the fluidic flow 68 passing through the assembly 50 may also be reduced by using a relatively large sensor piston diameter and small tractor piston diameter to reduce blockage with the shuttle 18 displaced in a downstream direction as shown in FIG. 3A. Additionally, the diameter of tractor piston 28 is preferably larger than that of blocker piston 34 to provide sufficient area of pressure face 66 and differential surface 67 upon which hydrostatic closure forces primarily act. In general, an area ratio of sensor piston diameter to tractor piston diameter of about two to one has been found to facilitate force balance operation in an advantageous manner.

Further, longitudinal lengths of the sensor piston 22 and sensor cylinder 24 are preferably shorter than those of the tractor piston 28 and tractor cylinder 30 to minimize pressure loss of fluidic flow 68 passing thereby. As mentioned above, the length of blocker piston 34 and the placement of blocker seal 42 in the blocker cylinder 36 is predetermined to ensure proper isolation of pressure port 16 from system pressure when the shuttle 18 is displaced in a downstream direction, as shown in FIG. 3A, as well as to ensure proper communication of system pressure to the pressure port 16 when the shuttle 18 is fully displaced in an upstream direction, as shown in FIG. 3B.

Referring now to FIG. 5, depicted is a schematic, block diagram of one embodiment of a preferred fluidic pumping system 84 incorporating the present invention. An electrically driven pump 88 draws or receives fluid from a source 86, discharging fluidic flow 68 through hydraulic actuator assembly 50 ultimately to consumption 92. Operation of the pump 88 is controlled by pressure switch 52 selectively isolatable from system pressure as discussed hereinabove.

Without more, the system 84 would function as intended; however, additional elements may be provided to enhance the operation of the system or otherwise regulate system output. For example, an hydropneumatic tank 90 may be attached to an outlet 114 either connected to or separate from primary outlet 14 of the actuator 50, to provide fluidic capacitance to the system 84. As described in detail in the aforementioned patent to Valdes which has been incorporated herein by reference, tank 90 includes a pocket of gas, such as air, which is compressed by pressurized fluid 70 from actuator 50. For small amounts of consumption or for minor downstream leakage in the system 84, the tank 90 would supply the necessary volume without the need for frequent cycling of the pump 88. The hydropneumatic tank 90 may also include a self-contained air-injection pumping apparatus for automatically replenishing air within the tank consumed by operation of a fluidic system as disclosed by Valdes.

While system 84, according to the present invention, is applicable to new construction fluidic supply systems, the invention is equally suitable for retrofitting existing systems, for example, of the domestic water supply variety. In general, high, substantially constant pressure output is a desirable supply system characteristic; however, where there exists a concern due to high pressure afforded by system 84, especially on existing piping or consumption devices in poor condition, system pressure may be suitably limited by addition of a pressure regulator 94 of conventional configuration. The regulator 94 may be advantageously located downstream of pump 88, for example downstream of actuator 50, and upstream of any fragile piping 96. Inclusion of regulator 94 will permit operation of the system 84 with a high pressure output pump 88 with supply piping 96 which may be in poor condition or consumption devices otherwise unable to accommodate high system pressure afforded by the system 84.

The teachings of this invention are also applicable to fluidic supply systems in which it is deemed desirable to maintain a relatively large fluidic capacitance, greater than that provided by an hydropneumatic tank 90. FIG. 6 depicts a schematic, block diagram of an alternate embodiment of a fluidic pumping system 98 incorporating an hydraulic actuator 150 according to the present invention. An electrically driven pump 188 draws or receives fluid from a source 186, discharging fluidic flow 168 downstream through hydraulic actuator assembly 150 to consumption 192. Operation of the pump 188 is controlled by pressure switch 152 selectively isolatable from system pressure as discussed hereinabove.

A diaphragm tank 100 may be attached to an outlet 214 of the actuator 50, to provide fluidic capacitance to the system 98. As described previously, diaphragm tank 100 includes pressurized air and system fluid separated by a flexible bladder or may comprise another element, such as an expandable, flexible balloon type enclosure. The tank 100 supplies fluid for consumption to the extent of its fluidic capacity without the need for cycling of the pump 188. System 98, configured with a diaphragm tank 100, may also incorporate a conventional pressure regulator 194 to prevent overpressurization of the tank 100 if deemed necessary. The regulator 194 may be disposed between the pump 188 and actuator 150 as shown or alternatively may be disposed between the actuator 150 and the tank 100 to protect the tank 100 from high pressure output of the pump 188.

System

98 may further incorporate a valve 104, disposed between the actuator 150 and the diaphragm tank 100, the purpose of the valve 104 being to terminate fluidic flow to the tank 100 at a predetermined system pressure. Such a valve 104 may be desirable when the actuator 150 is used in combination with a tank 100 having a large fluidic capacitance. Without the valve 104, the system 98 may exhibit an extended recharge cycle, which is related both to tank capacitance and pump flow versus pressure characteristics. Incorporation of valve 104 acts to isolate the tank 100 from the system 98 at a predetermined pressure, to prevent continued operation of the pump 188 at higher pressures where volumetric flow rate is reduced. Shutdown of the pump 188 will occur soon after isolation of the tank 100 occurs due to closure of valve 104. Once valve 104 closes, flow within the system 98 decreases rapidly to below a predetermined threshold volumetric flow rate allowing the pressure switch to be exposed to system pressure due to actuation of the hydraulic actuator 150.

FIG. 6A depicts a typical embodiment of a suitable valve 104 which includes a cylindrical housing 106 with a radial wall 108 having a plurality of apertures 110 disposed therethrough. A generally cylindrical movable element 112 disposed within housing 106 is biased away from wall 108 by an adjustable compression spring 120 disposed therebetween. The spring 120 may be adjusted to modify the compression thereof and resultant spring force at valve closure in a conventional manner, for example, by a threaded fastener (not shown). Volume 113, within the movable element 112, is communicated to ambient through vent 119 passing through wall 108 and isolated from system pressure by seal 121. During the tank recharge cycle, flow 168 passes around the element 112 and through the apertures 110 to fill the tank 100. At a predetermined system pressure, the differential force between system pressure acting on surface area 117 and ambient pressure acting on surface area 115 overcomes the force exerted by spring 120 and the spring 120 is compressed sufficiently, such that movable element annular lip 116

blocks apertures

110 preventing flow therethrough. Flow rate thereafter decreases rapidly in the system to less than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, the shuttle 18 is fully displaced in the upstream direction exposing the pressure switch 152 to system pressure greater than cut-out pressure, and the pressure switch 152 shuts the pump 188 off. The valve 104 remains closed due to the differential pressure thereacross. Whenever system pressure drops below tank pressure, for example when there is a consumption demand or system leakage, the valve 104 opens automatically, permitting fluid stored in the tank 100 to meet the demand within the capacitance limit of the tank 100. When tank capacitance is exhausted, system pressure drops below pump cut-out pressure and the pump 188 is turned on by the pressure switch 152 and the cycle begins anew. Alternatively, the cut-out pressure may correspond to partial discharge of the fluid in the tank 100, in which case the pump 188 is energized sooner.

As stated above, bypass channel 48 in the actuator sensor assembly 20 serves to normalize the pressure across sensor piston 22 when piston flow face 64 is abutting seat 60 as shown in FIG. 3B. Additionally, the size or cross-sectional area of bypass channel 48 is advantageously configured to permit a predetermined volumetric flow rate of fluid to bypass without displacing the sensor piston 22. This permits recharging or pressurization of a conventional diaphragm tank 100 or an hydropneumatic tank 90 of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patent to Valdes. In these applications, the cut-out pressure of the

pressure switch

152, 52 may be set high enough to permit continued operation of the

pump

188, 88 after the shuttle 18 is displaced to abut seat 60 to afford pressurization of the

system

98, 84 to a desired level. For small hydropneumatic tanks 90, in the range of one to five liters of volume, the bypass channel 48 may be configured as a small, longitudinal groove in the sensor cylinder 24 as depicted. One or more may be provided depending, for example, on the maximum pressure output of the pump 88 and the desired recharge rate of the hydropneumatic tank 90. In a typical embodiment, volumetric flow rate through the bypass channel 48 may be about two liters per minute for a system cut-out pressure of fifty pounds per square inch.

For uses of the hydraulic actuator assembly 150 in combination with conventional diaphragm tanks 100, which typically range in size from about eight liters to over four hundred liters, greater bypass flow area may be desirable than readily afforded by bypass channel 48 to achieve a desirable recharge rate. Instead of or in addition to bypass channel 48, one or more apertures 82 disposed through sensor piston 22 may be provided as depicted in FIG. 2. Inclusion of such apertures 82 understandably reduce the hydrodynamic force acting on the shuttle 18 during periods of fluidic flow while not substantially affecting the net hydrostatic load thereon.

The actuator assembly 50 is advantageously configured to facilitate manufacture by injection molding, without the need for costly post-molding machining steps in the manufacture thereof. All pistons, cylinders, vents and seal grooves may be used in the as-molded condition. In a preferred embodiment, both housing 10 and shuttle 18 are each molded in a unitary manner of commercially available nylon polymer such as Delrin, a registered trademark of Dupont, although any suitable material may be employed. Housing 10 may also include a split-line, mating radial flange (not shown) disposed longitudinally between tractor piston 28 and blocker cylinder 36 to facilitate installation of the shuttle 18 therein.

In addition to comprising relatively few, simple components, since the movement of the shuttle 18 is controlled by opposing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces rather than springs or other biasing elements, the performance of the actuator 50 and any pumping system in which the actuator 50 is utilized is not subject to degradation over time, for example, due to relaxation of spring force, or nonlinear spring effects.

While screens, filters or other such elements are routinely employed in pumping applications in which the fluid being pumped is contaminated with particulates such as sand, actuator 50 has demonstrated admirable operation without such elements, although such elements could be added as desired.

The improved actuator 50 and fluidic pumping systems incorporating the improved actuator 50 are advantageously applied to a wide variety of uses. Applications include, but are not limited to, primary pressure applications with subterranean or surface fluidic sources and pressure boost applications with municipal or other pressurized water sources.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, an assembled hydraulic actuator apparatus in an operational state with an external pressure switch is shown. In this embodiment, system 200 includes housing 210, shuttle 218, switch 252 and pressure tank 290. Fluid is introduced into housing 210 from a fluidic pump (not shown) through inlet 212 as discussed hereinabove. Fluid 270 exits housing 210 through outlet 214 as also discussed hereinabove. As shown in FIG. 7, outlet 214 is at right angles with inlet 212.

System

200 includes sensor piston 222 having annular flow face 264, tractor piston 228, blocker piston 234, sensor seal 238, tractor seal 240, blocker seal 242 and blocker cylinder 236. Bypass channel 248 should also be included with the system 200.

Pressure port

216 and pressure switch cavity 272 are connected to pressure switch 252. Plunger 254, spring 256 and electrical contacts 258 respectively function in a similar manner as plunger 54, spring 56 and electrical contacts 58 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As further shown in FIG. 7, system 200 includes pressure tank 290. Pressure tank 290 is preferably designed to contain a volume of fluid between two pressure ranges, for example between a cut-in pressure and a cut-out pressure. Volume is provided to pressure tank 290 by the system pressure force acting against the force of pressure tank spring 296. Spring 296 in turn acts on pressure tank piston 292 slidably engaged with pressure tank cylinder 294. Air within cylinder 294 at the piston spring side is communicated to the atmosphere through the orifice 295. Pressure tank seal 298 is attached to pressure tank piston 296 and is a dynamic seal.

Check valve

288 communicates the compressed volume within pressure tank 290 to the system pressure when the pressure of the compressed volume is higher than the system pressure. When the pump is idle, pressure tank 290 is filled and a flow demand is produced, the check valve 288 allows immediate discharge of compressed volume to produce instant pump reaction. Check valve 288, such as a rubber ring V-seal, is a one-way valve that prevents the entrance of fluid into pressure tank 290.

The system 200 shown in FIG. 7 is utilized to delay communication of the system pressure to the pressure switch. In this embodiment, pressure port 216 has a limited volumetric flow rate orifice that can delay communication of the system pressure to the pressure switch once blocker assembly 232 is opened to communicate the system pressure to the pressure switch. However, volumetric flow carrying system pressure must fill pressure tank 290 up to a cut-off pressure before pressure switch 252 disconnects the pump. This allows a lapsed time between demand reaching a less than a predetermined volumetric flow rate and actual pump shut down. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A, the limited volumetric flow rate orifice 215 has a cleaning wire 217 that is moved by shuttle 218 displacement. Said cleaning wine 217 is kept against the shuttle by spring 219.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pressure tank is connected to the pressure port. System 300 includes actuator housing 310, shuttle 318, pressure tank 390 and switch 352.

Fluid is introduced into housing 310 from a fluidic pump (not shown) through inlet 312 as discussed hereinabove. Fluid 370 exits housing 310 through outlet 314 as also discussed hereinabove. As shown in FIG. 8, outlet 314 is at right angles with inlet 312.

System

300 includes sensor piston 322 having annular flow face 364, tractor piston 328, blocker piston 334, sensor seal 338, tractor seal 340, blocker seal 342 and blocker cylinder 336. Bypass channel 348 should also be included with the system 300.

The pressure tank 390 of system 300 is preferably designed to contain a volume of fluid between two pressure ranges, for example between a cut-in pressure and a cut-out pressure. Volume is provided to pressure tank 390 by the system pressure force acting against the force of pressure tank spring 396. Spring 396 in turn acts on pressure tank piston 392, which is slidably engaged with pressure tank cylinder 394, preferably between two pressure readings, such as a cut-in pressure and a cut-off pressure to provide for a compressed volume of fluid. In this embodiment, the volume in the pressure tank is provided by the system pressure force acting on the force of a spring. The spring acts on a piston adapted to move along a cylinder that is capable of containing the compressed volume.

A pressure tank seal 398 may be positioned between the pressure tank cylinder 394 and the pressure tank piston 392 as shown in FIG. 8. The pressure tank seal can be a rubber V-seal or the like. Pressure tank seal is dynamic in that it moves with pressure tank piston 392 relative to the pressure tank cylinder 394.

As also shown in FIG. 8, a check valve 388, such as a rubber ring V-seal, is used to communicate the compressed volume within pressure tank 390 to the system pressure when the pressure of the compressed volume is higher than the system pressure. When the pump is idle, the pressure tank is filled and a low flow demand is produced, the check valve 388 allows immediate discharge of compressed volume, while the system pressure reaches the cut-in pressure, thereby producing instant pump reaction.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 8, the limited volumetric flow rate orifice 315 of pressure port 316 has a cleaning wire 317 that is moved by shuttle 318 displacement. Said cleaning wire is kept against the shuttle by spring 319. Check valve 388, such as a rubber ring V-seal, is a one-way valve that prevents the entrance of fluid into pressure tank 390.

An electrical switch 352 having electrical contacts 358 is connected to tank 390. Switch 352 can be a micro-switch or the like. Screw 374 or the like adjusts relative displacement of latch 378 along axle 376. Latch 378 or the like acts on the button of electrical switch 352. Therefore, switch 352 is driven by relative mechanical movement of the pressure tank piston 392 through latch 378 so that the electrical switch turns the pump off at a relative piston compression and turns the pump on at a relative piston expansion.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9, the axis of the pressure tank piston 392 displacement is divided into two elements. The first element 408 is integral to the piston 392 and has the form of an elongated tee as shown in FIG. 9. The second element 410 has a helicoidal form, and is able to rotate at the center of the pressure tank cap 412. The helicoidal element 410 holds or is connected to the tee 408. The axial displacement of the pressure tank piston 392 is transformed into a radial movement in the second element.

In conjunction with or connected to the helicoidal element 410, there is a graduated dial 400. Dial 400 includes a plurality of wheels 402, whose axes are the same as the axes of the

elements

408, 410. Wheels 402 are arranged to be able to act on an electric switch 352. One wheel has an engaging protruding piece 406 that can engage the switch, thereby turning the switch on. The other wheel has a disengaging protruding piece 404 that can disengage the switch, thereby turning the switch off. Both wheels can be adjusted to the graduated dial 400, and once adjusted, will move together with the dial. Because the pressure tank piston displacement responds to the amount of compressed volume within the pressure tank 390 and because this volume depends on the actual pressure measured inside the tank, the circular rotation of the graduated dial, together with the wheels, respond to the actual pressure measured inside the tank. When the pressure decreases to the cut-in pressure, the protruding piece of the engaging wheel will engage the electric switch, turning the switch in. On the other hand, when the pressure increases to the cut-off pressure, the protruding piece of the disengaging wheel will disengage the electric switch, turning the switch off.

The use of a pressure adjustment dial may be particularly advantageous for an easy adjustment of cut-in and cut-off pressures.

While there have been described herein what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, other modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is the invention as defined and differentiated in the following claims.

Claims

An hydraulic actuator for selectively communicating an internal fluidic pumping system pressure to a pressure port thereof for controlling a fluidic pump, said hydraulic actuator comprising:

a housing having at least one inlet, one outlet and a pressure port, said pressure port capable of having a volumetric flow rate orifice for delaying communication of system pressure to a pressure switch; and

a mobile shuttle disposed within and cooperating with said housing thereby constituting:

a sensor assembly comprising a mobile sensor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a fixed sensor cylinder;

a tractor assembly comprising a fixed tractor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a mobile tractor cylinder; and

a blocker assembly comprising a mobile blocker piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a fixed blocker cylinder, wherein:

said shuttle is displaced within said housing by opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces such that during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator greater than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston prevents communication of system pressure with said pressure port: and

during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator equal to or less than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston permits communication of system pressure with said pressure port.
A fluidic pumping system comprising:

a fluidic pump;

an hydraulic actuator for selectively communicating an internal fluidic pumping system pressure to a pressure port thereof for controlling said fluidic pump, said hydraulic actuator comprising:

a housing having at least one inlet in flow communication with an outlet of said fluidic pump, at least one outlet connectable in flow communication with a system consumption, and a pressure port; and

a mobile shuttle disposed within and cooperating with said housing thereby constituting:

a sensor assembly comprising a mobile sensor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a fixed sensor cylinder;

a tractor assembly comprising a fixed tractor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a mobile tractor cylinder; and

a blocker assembly comprising a mobile blocker piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a fixed blocker cylinder;

a pressure switch connected to said pressure port for selectively providing power to said fluidic pump according to at least one predetermined system pressure value sensed at said pressure port; and

a pressure tank connected to said outlet connectable in flow communication with a system consumption for providing fluidic capacitance to said fluidic pumping system, said pressure tank being a hydropneumatic tank, a diaphragm tank or a spring driven pressure tank;

wherein said shuttle is displaced within said housing by opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces such that during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator greater than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston prevents communication of system pressure with said pressure port; and

wherein during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator equal to or less than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston permits communication of system pressure with said pressure port.
The system according to claim 2 wherein said pressure tank contains a volume between two pressure readings.
The system according to claim 3 wherein said volume is between cut-in and cut-off pressures.
The system according to claim 3 wherein said volume is provided by the system pressure force against the force of a spring which acts on a piston moving along a cylinder which is capable of containing said compressed volume.
The system of claim 2 further comprising a pressure regulator disposed between said fluidic pump outlet and said pressure tank to limit pressure in said pressure tank.
The system of claim 2 further comprising a valve means disposed between said fluidic pump outlet and said pressure tank to terminate fluidic flow into said tank above a predetermined system pressure.
The system of claim 7 wherein said valve means comprises a biased element valve.
A fluidic pumping system comprising:

a fluidic pump;

an hydraulic actuator for selectively communicating an internal fluidic pumping system pressure to a pressure port thereof for controlling said fluidic pump, said hydraulic actuator comprising:

a housing having at least one inlet in flow communication with an outlet of said fluidic pump, at least one outlet connectable in flow communication with a system consumption, and a pressure port having a volumetric flow rate orifice for delaying communication of system pressure to a pressure switch and a pressure tank; and

a mobile shuttle disposed within and cooperating with said housing thereby constituting:

a sensor assembly comprising a mobile sensor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a fixed sensor cylinder;

a tractor assembly comprising a fixed tractor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a mobile tractor cylinder; and

a blocker assembly comprising a mobile blocker piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a fixed blocker cylinder;

a pressure tank connected to said pressure port, said pressure tank capable of containing a volume between two pressure readings, said volume being provided by the system pressure force against the force of a pressure tank spring acting on a pressure tank piston moving along a pressure tank cylinder capable of containing said compressed volume; and

a pressure switch for selectively providing power to said fluidic pump, wherein said pressure switch cuts the pump off at a relative piston compression and turns the pump on at a relative piston expansion;

wherein said shuttle is displaced within said housing by opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces such that during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator greater than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston prevents communication of system pressure with said pressure port; and

wherein during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator dual to or less than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston permits communication of system pressure with said pressure port.
The system of claim 9 wherein said pressure tank discharges its higher than system pressure to the system through a check valve to produce an immediate pump reaction to a flow demand.
A fluidic pumping system comprising:

a fluidic pump;

an hydraulic actuator for selectively communicating an internal fluidic pumping system pressure to a pressure port thereof for controlling said fluidic pump, said hydraulic actuator comprising:

a housing having at least one inlet in flow communication with an outlet of said fluidic pump, at least one outlet connectable in flow communication with a system consumption, and a pressure port having a volumetric flow rate orifice for delaying communication of system pressure to a pressure tank; and

a mobile shuttle disposed within and cooperating with said housing thereby constituting:

a sensor assembly comprising a mobile sensor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a feed sensor cylinder;

a tractor assembly comprising a fixed tractor piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a mobile tractor cylinder; and

a blocker assembly comprising a mobile blocker piston disposed in close fitting relation along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof with a fixed blocker cylinder;

a pressure tank connected to said pressure port, said pressure tank capable of containing a volume between two pressure readings, said volume being provided by the system pressure force against the force of a pressure tank spring acting on a pressure tank piston moving along a pressure tank cylinder capable of containing said compressed volume; and

an electrical switch for selectively providing power to said fluidic pump, said electrical switch having on-off operation capabilities based on relative movement of said pressure tank piston in response to pressure variations such that said switch is on at an adjusted lower piston displacement and said switch is off at an adjusted higher piston displacement;

wherein said shuttle is displaced within said housing by opposing hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces such that during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator greater than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston prevents communication of system pressure with said pressure port; and

wherein during periods of fluidic flow through said actuator equal to or less than a predetermined volumetric flow rate, said shuttle is displaced such that said blocker piston permits communication of system pressure with said pressure port.
The system of claim 11, further including a pressure adjustment screw device such as a latch, to act on said electrical switch bottom, said latch being driven by said pressure tank piston displacement and capable of being adjusted by a screw along an axle connected to said piston.
The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said sensor assembly, said tractor assembly or said blocker assembly further comprise means for sealing disposed between said respective piston and cylinder.
The system of claim 11 wherein said actuator further comprises a bypass sized to permit a predetermined volumetric flow rate therethrough without displacement of said shuttle.
The system of claim 14 wherein said bypass is disposed in said sensor cylinder and comprises at least one bypass channel.
The system of claim 14 wherein said bypass is disposed in said sensor piston drill comprises at least one aperture.
The system of claim 1 wherein said tractor piston further comprises a vent disposed therethrough for communicating a volume bounded by said tractor assembly with ambient.
The system of claim 1 wherein said blocker piston further comprises a vent disposed therethrough for communicating a volume bounded by said tractor assembly with a volume bounded by said blocker assembly.
The system of claim 1 wherein said pressure port is in fluid communication with a volume bounded by said blocker assembly.
The system of claim 1 wherein said blocker assembly further comprises a check valve oriented to vent higher pressure fluid within a volume bounded by said blocker assembly to lower pressure system fluid.