HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR

Abstract

A hydraulic accumulator, comprising a base body (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i) having a first component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i) and a second component (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i) which are connected to one another by a form fit and/or a material join, is, with the aim of specifying a hydraulic accumulator which, after fabrication without difficulty, exhibits a very reliable seal, a high level of strength, an as far as possible undamaged surface and an as far as possible rotationally symmetrical design in the joining region of the components, characterized in that at least one component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i) is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit and/or material join with the other component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i).

Description

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a hydraulic accumulator according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

PRIOR ART

Hydraulic accumulators, in particular diaphragm accumulators, can be used in hydraulic systems for storing energy. The hydraulic accumulators are pressure containers having receptacle spaces in which a specific usable volume of a liquid medium can be stored. The compressibility of a gaseous medium is used to apply pressure to the liquid medium.

In a diaphragm accumulator, a diaphragm usually divides off a receptacle space, in which the liquid medium can be accommodated, from a storage space. A gaseous, compressible medium is accommodated in the storage space. The receptacle space in which the liquid medium is accommodated can be connected to a hydraulic circuit.

As soon as the liquid medium is pressed under pressure into the diaphragm so accumulator, the gaseous medium in the storage space is compressed. In the case of a drop in pressure in the hydraulic circuit, the compressed gaseous medium can expand and can force the liquid medium accommodated in the receptacle space back into the hydraulic circuit.

A currently commercially available diaphragm accumulator is generally composed of two housing shells in which a diaphragm is mounted using a clamping ring. The mounting of the clamping ring is carried out in manufacturer-specific fashion.

After this, the two housing shells are closed off using a welding method. Furthermore, the diaphragm accumulator is filled with a gas via an inflow line. The storage space of the diaphragm accumulator which contains the gas is then closed off.

Against this background, WO 2010/130 332 A1 has already disclosed a diaphragm accumulator which comprises as components two housing shells which are connected to one another with a form fit.

The form fit is manufactured by shaping at least one of the components. In this context, tools usually act with considerable forces on the components. These tools can lead to damage to the outer surface of the components. Specifically, scratches, dents or scuffing can occur. Furthermore, joining with a form fit is difficult to implement within a pressure chamber.

When a form fit is manufactured on a hydraulic accumulator, it is necessary, owing to its substantially rotationally symmetrical design, that identical forces act in the radial direction in order to prevent non-uniform deformation.

In production it may easily be the case that the tools which act on the components bring about non-uniform and “non-round” deformation of the components. In this respect, a type of geometric unbalance may be impressed on a hydraulic accumulator. This can lead, in particular, to problems with respect to the seal and/or the strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a hydraulic accumulator which, after fabrication without difficulty, exhibits a very reliable seal, a high level of strength, an as far as possible undamaged surface and an as far as possible rotationally symmetrical design in the joining region of the components.

According to the invention, the above object is achieved by means of a hydraulic accumulator having the features of patent claim 1.

According to the invention it has been recognized that a contactless shaping method can ensure that the external surface of the hydraulic accumulator remains substantially undamaged. The external surface of the hydraulic accumulator is free of dents, scratches or other irregularities. Furthermore, it has been recognized that such a shaping method allows forces to act uniformly on a rotationally symmetrical component of the hydraulic accumulator in such a way that it is deformed uniformly without unbalance in the radial direction.

Moreover, such a shaping method can apply such a prestress to a sealing surface of the diaphragm that it is possible to dispense with a clamping ring. The shaping method reduces the parts and the mounting steps which are necessary to fabricate a hydraulic accumulator, in particular a diaphragm accumulator.

In this respect, a hydraulic accumulator is specified which, after fabrication without difficulty, exhibits a very reliable seal, a high level of strength, an as far as possible undamaged surface and an as far as possible rotationally symmetrical design in the joining region of the components.

Consequently, the object mentioned at the beginning is achieved.

The shaping method could be an electromagnetic pulse joining operation. The Lorentz force which acts on a conductor through which a current flows in a magnetic field can advantageously be used for joining with a form fit. This force is surprisingly strong and precise to the extent that a metallic component with a considerable wall thickness can be deformed in a defined and uniform fashion. A metallic component can be surprisingly bent or pressed onto another component in the radial direction, as it were shrunk on. The forces which arise act on the hydraulic accumulator along the circumference thereof in a uniformly radial fashion in such a way that the components can be connected to one another in a fluidtight fashion with a form fit and/or material join.

The components could also be connected to one another in a materially joined fashion. In addition to the form fit, a material join could also be provided in order to further increase the seal of the hydraulic accumulator.

At least one component could be fabricated from a metal. Metals can be joined by an electromagnetic pulse joining operation owing to their electrical conductivity. In particular, all the electrically conductive iron metals and non-iron metals can be joined.

Against this background, at least one component could be fabricated from aluminum. By means of the contactless shaping method, this material, which per se can only be welded at high cost, is used for the manufacture of hydraulic accumulators, in particular diaphragm accumulators. Furthermore, at least one component could be fabricated from steel. The steel could be cold formed.

A component could be fabricated from plastic. In this context it is conceivable to use thermoplasts or duroplasts. A reduction in weight of the hydraulic accumulator is possible in this way. The fixed or static component during the electromagnetic pulse joining operation can be fabricated from plastic, while the other component is fabricated from a metal.

The components could form a storage space for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space for a liquid medium, wherein the storage space is separated off from the receptacle space by a diaphragm, and wherein the volumes of the storage space and of the receptacle space are variable. The hydraulic accumulator can therefore function as a diaphragm accumulator. The diaphragm can advantageously form sealing faces with the components by being clamped in between them under prestress. It is possible to dispense with a clamping ring for the diaphragm.

The storage space could be embodied without an inflow line. It is therefore possible to fabricate a compact hydraulic accumulator, which is provided with as few cumbersome connections as possible. Such a hydraulic accumulator has closure of the storage space with a high level of process reliability. The hydraulic accumulator can be joined in an installation space under pressure. The pressure in the installation space then corresponds substantially to the pressure in the storage space in the unloaded state of the hydraulic accumulator.

The receptacle space could have a connector which is integrally formed onto a first component. The connector is advantageously embodied as a hexagon and therefore permits the hydraulic accumulator to be easily connected by flanges to a hydraulic system.

The storage space could have an inflow line which is integrally formed onto a second component. By virtue of this configuration, the pressure in the storage space can be adjusted by refilling.

A first component could be embodied as a housing lower shell and a second component as a housing upper shell, wherein the edges of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp in a diaphragm between them. The hydraulic accumulator can therefore function as a diaphragm accumulator. The diaphragm can advantageously form sealing faces with the components by being clamped in between them under prestress. It is possible to dispense with a clamping ring for the diaphragm.

A method for fabricating a hydraulic accumulator of the type described here could use an electromagnetic pulse joining operation as a shaping method.

In order to avoid repetitions with respect to the advantages of the contactless shaping method, reference is made to the statements relating to the hydraulic accumulator as such.

A system for carrying out an electromagnetic pulse joining operation is composed essentially of a pulse generator and a tool coil.

The pulse generator generates an electric current which flows through the tool coil. In this context, a magnetic field is generated which in turn induces a current in a component made of electrically conductive material.

What are referred to as Lorentz forces act on bodies through which a current flows in magnetic fields. These forces can, given sufficient strength, plastically deform the component and fit snugly onto another component or be integrally formed thereon. This shaping method is contactless and does not damage the surfaces of the components.

Moreover, this shaping method can also manufacture a materially joined connection between two components without the components being fused on. Metals can be moved close to one another in such a way that electrons can be exchanged between them.

Against this background, a first component could be made available, a diaphragm or a sealing means could be arranged between the first component and a second component, and the second component and/or the first is component could be deformed by the shaping method. By virtue of such a method it is possible to dispense with welding processes.

The diaphragm or the sealing means could be placed under prestress without using a damping ring by deforming one of the components. In this way it is possible to achieve a saving in terms of components. A prestress can specifically be applied to the sealing bead of a diaphragm by deforming a housing lower shell during a joining process.

The hydraulic accumulator could be joined together by the shaping method in an installation space in which there is a pressure which is above or below the atmospheric pressure.

This method for manufacturing a hydraulic accumulator is advantageously carried out in an installation space in which a pressurized gas is accommodated. The gas which is to be accommodated in the storage space is present in the installation space.

It is therefore possible to dispense with inflow lines to the storage space. An inert gas is preferably used as the gas. The pressure which is clearly above atmospheric pressure and which is present in the installation space can be adjusted as a function of the purpose of use of the hydraulic accumulator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows a hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and has two components which are connected to one another with a form fit and/or a material join, wherein a wave structure is impressed on the housing lower shell in the joining region,

FIG. 2 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and has two components which are connected to one another with a form fit and/or a material join, wherein the upper edge of the housing lower shell is bent radially inward in the joining region,

FIG. 3 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and has two components which are connected to one another with a form fit and/or a material join, wherein the edges of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another in the joining region, and wherein a clamping ring is provided for the diagram,

FIG. 4 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and has two components which are connected to one another with a form fit and/or a material join, wherein the edges of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another in the joining region, wherein a clamping ring is provided and wherein the housing upper shell is deformed by means of the shaping method,

FIG. 5 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and has two components which are connected to one another with a form fit and/or a material join, wherein the edges of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another in the joining region and wherein the housing upper shell has an edge with a relatively large wall thickness,

FIG. 6 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and has two components which are connected to one another with a form fit and/or a material join, wherein the edges of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another in the joining region, wherein the housing upper shell has an edge with relatively large wall thickness, wherein the housing lower shell engages behind a shoulder in the housing upper shell and bears against an edge seal, and

FIG. 7 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and in which multiple interlocking between the components is implemented,

FIG. 8 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and in which a form fit is implemented by means of a sharp transition between two diameters of a component, and

FIG. 9 shows a further hydraulic accumulator which is embodied as a diaphragm accumulator and in which an improved form fit is implemented by a recess.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the drawing, FIG. 1 shows a hydraulic accumulator 1a comprising a base body 2a with a first component 3a and a second component 4a which are connected to one another by a form fit and/or material join.

At least one component, specifically the first component 3a, is deformed by a contactless shaping method such that it enters into the form fit and/or material join with the other component 4a.

A wave structure is formed in the first component 3a, said wave structure being made complementary to elevated portions and depressions in the second component 4a.

The shaping method which has been used to produce the form fit and/or material join is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The first component 3a is fabricated from aluminum or steel.

The components 3a, 4a form a storage space 5a for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space 6a for a liquid medium, wherein the storage space 5a is separated off from the receptacle space 6a by a diaphragm 7a, and wherein the volumes of the storage space 5a and of the receptacle space 6a are variable. The diaphragm 7a is accommodated between the components 3a, 4a without a clamping ring.

The storage space 5a is embodied without an inflow line. The receptacle space 6a has a connector 8a which is integrally formed onto the first component 3a.

The first component 3a is embodied as a housing lower shell and the second component 4a as a housing upper shell, wherein the edges 9a, 10a of the housing lower shell or housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp in the diaphragm 7a between them. There is no clamping ring provided for the diaphragm 7a.

The housing upper shell is provided with grooves. The diaphragm 7a is arranged between the housing upper shell and the housing lower shell. The joined-together hydraulic accumulator la withstands a defined burst pressure. Furthermore, it is gastight and oiltight. The fitting of the housing lower shell into the grooves of the housing upper shell occurs by partially reducing the diameters of the housing lower shell.

In the drawing, FIG. 2 shows a hydraulic accumulator lb comprising a base body 2b with a first component 3b and a second component 4b which are connected to one another by a form fit.

At least one component, specifically the first component 3b, is deformed by a contactless shaping method such that it enters into the form fit with the other component 4b.

The shaping method which has been used to manufacture the form fit is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The first component 3b is fabricated from aluminum or steel.

The components 3b, 4b form a storage space 5b for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space 6b for a liquid medium, wherein the storage space 5b is separated off from the receptacle space 6b by a diaphragm 7b, and wherein the volumes of the storage space 5b and of the receptacle space 6b are variable.

The storage space 5b is embodied without an inflow line. The receptacle space 6b has a connector 8b which is integrally formed onto the first component 3b.

The first component 3b is embodied as a housing lower shell and the second component 4b as a housing upper shell, wherein the edges 9b, 10b of the housing lower shell and housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp in the diaphragm 7b between them. There is no clamping ring provided for the diaphragm 7b.

The edge 9b, directed toward the second component 4b, of the first component 3b is bent radially inward and in the process engages over a circumferential, arcuate shoulder of the second component 4b.

In the drawing, FIG. 3 shows a hydraulic accumulator 1c comprising a base body 2c with a first component 3c and a second component 4c which are connected to one another by a form fit.

At least one component, specifically the first component 3c, is deformed by a contactless shaping method such that it enters into the form fit with the other component 4c.

The shaping method, which was used to manufacture the form fit, is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The first component 3c is fabricated from aluminum or steel.

The components 3c, 4c form a storage space 5c for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space 6c for a liquid medium, wherein the storage space 5c is separated off from the receptacle space 6c by a diaphragm 7c, and wherein the volumes of the storage space 5c and of the receptacle space 6c are variable.

The storage space 5c is embodied without an inflow line. The receptacle space 6c has a connector 8c which is integrally formed onto the first component 3c.

The first component 3c is embodied as a housing lower shell and the second component 4c as a housing upper shell, wherein the edges 9c, 10c of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp in the diaphragm 7c. A clamping ring 11 c is provided for the diaphragm 7c.

The diaphragm 7c is pressed between the clamping ring 11 c and the edge 10c of the second component 4c. The edge 9c of the first component 3c has a radially inwardly directed constriction 12c.

In the drawing, FIG. 4 shows a hydraulic accumulator 1d comprising a base body 2d with a first component 3d and a second component 4d which are connected to one another by a form fit.

At least one component, specifically the second component 4d, is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit with the other component 3d.

The shaping method which was used to manufacture the form fit is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The second component 4d is fabricated from aluminum or steel.

The components 3d, 4d form a storage space 5d for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space 6d for a liquid medium, wherein the storage space 5d is separated off from the receptacle space 6d by a diaphragm 7d, and wherein the volumes of the storage space 5d and of the receptacle space 6d are variable.

The storage space 5d is embodied without an inflow line. The receptacle space 6d has a connector 8d which is integrally formed onto the first component 3d.

The first component 3d is embodied as a housing lower shell and the second component 4d as a housing upper shell, wherein the edges 9d, 10d of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp in the diaphragm 7d. A clamping ring lid is provided for the diaphragm 7d.

The clamping ring 11d engages over the edge 9d of the first component 3d, projects into it and tapers in the direction of the receptacle space 6d. The edge 10d of the second component 4d is bent radially inward and is pressed, together with the edge 9d of the first component 3d, against the clamping ring 11d. The diaphragm 7d is pressed here between the clamping ring 11d and the edge 9d of the first component 3d.

In the drawing, FIG. 5 shows a hydraulic accumulator 1e comprising a base body 2e with a first component 3e and a second component 4e which are connected to one another by a form fit.

At least one component, specifically the first component 3e, is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit with the other component 4e.

The shaping method which was used to manufacture the form fit is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The first component 3e is fabricated from aluminum or steel.

The components 3e, 4e form a storage space 5e for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space 6e for a liquid medium, wherein the storage space 5e is separated off from the receptacle space 6e by a diaphragm 7e, and wherein the volumes of the storage space 5e and of the receptacle space 6e are variable.

The storage space 5e is embodied without an inflow line. The receptacle space 6e has a connector 8e which is integrally formed onto the first component 3e.

The first component 3e is embodied as a housing lower shell and the second component 4e as a housing upper shell, wherein the edges 9e, 10e of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp in the diaphragm 7e between them. There is no clamping ring provided for the diaphragm 7e. The diaphragm 7e projects with a bead in a positively locking fashion into a hollow in the edge 10e of the second component 4e.

In the drawing, FIG. 6 shows a hydraulic accumulator If comprising a base body 2f with a first component 3f and a second component 4f which are connected to one another by a form fit.

At least one component, specifically the first component 3f, is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit with the other component 4f.

The shaping method which was used to manufacture the form fit is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The first component 3f is fabricated from aluminum or steel.

The components 3f, 4f form a storage space 5f for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space 6f for a liquid medium, wherein the storage space 5f is separated off from the receptacle space 6f by a diaphragm 7f, and wherein the volumes of the storage space 5f and of the receptacle space 6f are variable.

The storage space 5f is embodied without an inflow line. The receptacle space 6f has a connector 8f which is integrally formed onto the first component 3f.

The first component 3f is embodied as a housing lower shell and the second component 4f as a housing upper shell, wherein the edges 9f, 10f of the housing lower shell and of the housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp in the diaphragm 7f between them. There is no clamping ring provided for the diaphragm 7f. The diaphragm 7f projects with a bead in a positively locking fashion into a hollow in the edge 10f of the second component 4f. The edge 9f of the first component 3f bears against an edge seal 131 which lies in a stop 14f of the second component 4f.

The diaphragms shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 are fabricated from an elastomer.

FIG. 7 shows a hydraulic accumulator 1g comprising a base body 2g with a first component 3g and a second component 4g which are connected to one another by a form fit and/or material join.

At least one component 3g is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit and/or material join with the other component 4g. The shaping method is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

FIG. 7 illustrates that the components 3g, 4g are multiply interlocked with one another. Specifically, the edges 9g, 10_g are multiply interlocked with one another. In addition to a form fit, the edges 9g, 10g and/or the components 3g, 4g could be additionally connected to one another by a material join.

FIG. 8 shows a hydraulic accumulator 1h comprising a base body 2h with a first component 3h and a second component 4h which are connected to one another by a form fit and/or material join.

At least one component 3h is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit and/or material join with the other component 4h. The shaping method is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The form fit is produced by a sharp transition between two diameters of the second component 4h. The sharp transition is implemented by a step 15h which is partially rectangular in cross section. The sharp transition is formed in the edge 10h of the second component 4h.

In addition to a form fit, the edges 9h, 10h or the components 3h, 4h could be additionally connected to one another by a material join.

FIG. 9 shows a hydraulic accumulator 1i comprising a base body 2i with a first component 3i and a second component 4i which are connected to one another by a form fit and/or material join.

At least one component 3i is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit and/or material join with the other component 4i. The shaping method is an electromagnetic pulse joining operation.

The form fit is generated by a recess 16i which is made in the first component 3i or in the edge 9i thereof before the pulse joining operation. During the pulse joining operation, the first component 3i is fitted with the recess 16i onto a projection 17i on the second component 4i or on the edge 10i thereof. This brings about better interlocking of the components 3i, 4i.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A hydraulic accumulator comprising: a base body having a first component and a second component connected to one another by one of a form fit and a material join,wherein at least one of the first component and the second component is deformed by contactless shaping to join the first component and the second component by the one of the form fit and the material join.

16. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, wherein the contactless shaping is electromagnetic pulse joining.

17. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first component and the second component are connected to one another by the material join.

18. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component is fabricated from a metal.

19. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component is fabricated from a plastic.

20. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first component and the second component form a storage space for a gaseous medium and a receptacle space for a liquid medium, the storage space separated from the receptacle space by a diaphragm, and wherein a volume of the storage space and a volume of the receptacle space are variable.

21. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 20, wherein the storage space is embodied without an inflow line.

22. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 20, wherein the receptacle space has a connector integrally formed onto the first component.

23. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 20, wherein the storage space has an inflow line integrally formed onto the second component.

24. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first component is embodied as a housing lower shell and the second component is embodied as a housing upper shell, wherein an edge of the housing lower shell and an edge of the housing upper shell overlap one another and clamp a diaphragm therebetween.

25. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, further comprising at least one of a diaphragm and a sealing means arranged between the first component and the second component.

26. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one of the diaphragm and the sealing means is placed under prestress without using a clamping ring by the deforming one of the first component and the second component.

27. The hydraulic accumulator as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first component and the second component are connected to one another by the contactless shaping in an installation space at a pressure different from atmospheric pressure.