Swash Plate in Hydraulic Pump Parts
Definition and Function
• Definition: The swash plate is a core moving component in swash plate-type axial piston pumps, typically arranged parallel to the drive shaft.
• Function: The swash plate controls the reciprocating motion of pistons within the cylinder block by changing its inclination angle, thereby enabling the hydraulic pump to suck in and discharge oil. The angle variation of the swash plate directly determines the displacement or flow rate of the hydraulic pump.
Structural Characteristics
• Inclination Angle: The axis of the swash plate is inclined at a certain angle relative to the axis of the cylinder block. This angle is variable and is used to control the displacement of the hydraulic pump.
• Mounting Method: The swash plate is usually fixed to the pump body and does not rotate with the drive shaft. The cylinder block, on the other hand, is connected to the prime mover via the drive shaft and rotates.
• Piston Interaction: The pistons are pressed against the swash plate by mechanical means or under the action of low-pressure oil. As the cylinder block rotates, the pistons are forced to reciprocate within the cylinder block due to the action of the swash plate.
Working Principle
• Oil Suction Process: When the pistons move outward, the volume within the cylinder block increases, the pressure decreases, and hydraulic oil enters the cylinder block from the suction port.
• Oil Discharge Process: When the pistons move inward, the volume within the cylinder block decreases, the pressure increases, and hydraulic oil is discharged from the cylinder block through the discharge port.
• Displacement Control: By changing the inclination angle of the swash plate, the stroke length of the pistons can be altered, thereby controlling the displacement of the hydraulic pump. A larger swash plate angle results in a longer piston stroke and greater displacement; conversely, a smaller angle results in less displacement.
Applications and Advantages
• Application Fields: Swash plate-type axial piston pumps are widely used in construction machinery, agricultural machinery, ships, aerospace, and other fields to provide stable and reliable hydraulic power for these equipment.
• Advantages:
• Variable Displacement: The displacement can be easily adjusted infinitely by changing the swash plate angle to meet the demands of different working conditions.
• High Efficiency: Swash plate-type axial piston pumps have high volumetric and mechanical efficiencies, effectively converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.
• Compact Structure: Compared with other types of hydraulic pumps, swash plate-type axial piston pumps have a compact structure, small volume, and light weight.
Maintenance and Care
• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the swash plate for wear and ensure its surface is smooth, free of cracks, or deformation.
• Lubrication Maintenance: Maintain good lubrication between the swash plate and pistons to reduce wear and friction.
• Angle Adjustment: Adjust the inclination angle of the swash plate according to actual needs to ensure the displacement of the hydraulic pump meets the working requirements.