Web-less valve plate

Abstract

A hydraulic unit that uses first and second support structures to eliminate the use of webs within an arcuate inlet and outlet of a valve plate. Specifically, a valve plate body extends between an inner and outer diameter wherein the outer diameter in a first position is placed in close proximity to a first support structure and the inner diameter is placed in close proximity to a second support structure. Thus, stress of hydraulic fluid flowing through the arcuate inlet or outlet deflects the inner and outer diameters causing them to engage the first and second support structures such that stress is passed to the first and second support structures and the valve plate is stiffened.

1 . A hydraulic unit comprising:
 a first support structure having an opening therein;   a valve plate detachably disposed within the opening and having an outer diameter adjacent the first support structure in a first position and an inner diameter surrounding a valve plate opening;   said valve plate having a body extending between the inner diameter and outer diameter, said body having an arcuate inlet and an arcuate outlet;   a second support structure detachably disposed within the valve plate opening adjacent the inner diameter in the first position;   wherein when above a threshold stress level the inner diameter deflects to engage the second support structure and the outer diameter deflects to engage the first support structure to provide a second position; and   wherein stress is transferred from the body to the first and second support structures in the second position.   
   
   
       2 . The hydraulic unit of  claim 1  wherein the first support structure is a yoke. 
   
   
       3 . The hydraulic unit of  claim 2  wherein the second support structure is a spindle. 
   
   
       4 . The hydraulic unit of  claim 1  wherein in the first position the outer diameter of the valve plate is positioned at or less than 0.1 mm from the first support structure to form a first clearance. 
   
   
       5 . The hydraulic unit of  claim 4  wherein in the first position the inner diameter of the valve plate is positioned at or less than 0.1 mm from the first support structure to form a second clearance. 
   
   
       6 . The hydraulic unit of  claim 1  wherein the first support structure is an end cap. 
   
   
       7 . The hydraulic unit of  claim 6  wherein the second support structure is a bearing.