Measurement of Slipper Behavior in Swashplate-Type Axial Piston Pumps

Abstract

In swash plate type axial piston pumps, slipper/swash plate sliding surfaces is subject to high fluctuating load. Therefore, the slippers are required to provide stable operation and reduce losses due to sliding. The behavior of the slipper fluctuates in a complex manner due to changes in the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder and inertial forces caused by the reciprocating motion of the piston. However, the time variation of the oil film thickness distribution of the slipper has not been measured. Furthermore, there are no measurements of the movement of the spherical joint connecting the slipper and piston, which affects the slipper behavior. In this study, the visualized sliding test rig with a sapphire glass swash plate was developed. The oil film thickness distribution of the slipper and the rotation of the slipper and the piston were measured continuously during one rotation of the pump.