Patent Application
20190203863
The present invention relates to a hydraulic connecting part, to a hydraulic counterpart, to a hydraulic connection and in particular to a quick mounting of electrohydraulic components by a quick connector.
In vehicles, and in particular in commercial vehicles, many hydraulic components (for example hydraulic module, steering gear, components of the brake system, etc.) have to be connected to one another. In order to connect the components to one another, use is frequently made of pipelines or hose lines, but these have to be connected to one another quickly and reliably—even if only a limited installation space is available. This is the case in particular in commercial vehicles in which, as for example in the installation space of a steering gear, there is frequently only little space available, and therefore additional components for activating the exemplary steering gear generally have to be placed at another point in the engine compartment.
A further problem consists in the fact that hydraulic lines or pipes are frequently dirt-sensitive, which means that care has to be taken when forming the hydraulic connection to ensure that no dirt gets into the hydraulic connecting ducts. Conventional hydraulic connections are therefore formed in a correspondingly protected surroundings and, after the hydraulic connecting lines have been assembled in the final assembly stage of the vehicle, filled with hydraulic oil, for example. However, this has the disadvantage that the entire system still has to be vented.
There is thus a need for alternative hydraulic connections which can be formed quickly and securely, even in a confined installation space, and which offer reliable protection from contamination and as far as possible prevent air entry into the hydraulic duct during coupling of the components.
The aforementioned technical object may be achieved by a hydraulic connecting part as described herein, a hydraulic counterpart as described herein and a hydraulic quick connector as described herein.
The invention relates to a hydraulic connecting part for connecting to a hydraulic counterpart in order to produce or provide a hydraulic flow path between the hydraulic connecting part and the counterpart. The connecting part comprises a hydraulic connecting duct, a closure and a fastening arrangement. The connecting duct comprises a connection opening which faces the counterpart during the connection. The closure is formed on the connection opening and suitable to keep a hydraulic liquid in the hydraulic connecting duct at a minimum pressure. The fastening arrangement is configured to fasten the connecting part to the counterpart.
The connecting part and the counterpart thus together form a hydraulic connector (or quick connector) which produces a hydraulic connection by bringing together (for example plugging together or screwing together) the two parts, wherein the hydraulic flow path is automatically opened during the bringing-together. Therefore, in further exemplary embodiments, the opening arrangement are configured to open the closure during the connection of the connecting part to the counterpart and thereby to form the hydraulic flow path.
In further exemplary embodiments, the closure comprises a covering (for example a metal foil or a sheet metal cover) and a sliding element, wherein the sliding element is pretensioned by a first spring element in order thereby to ensure an interspace between the opening arrangement and the covering and in order to sever the covering by way of the opening arrangement during a displacement of the sliding element counter to the spring tension.
In further exemplary embodiments, the hydraulic connecting duct is formed within a tubular portion, wherein the sliding element is arranged so as to be displaceable along an outer surface of the tubular portion. The opening arrangement additionally comprise one or more cutting blades which are formed at one end in the direction of the connection opening of the tubular portion in the hydraulic flow path. Here, the cutting blades do not block the hydraulic flow, but rather expose openings through which the hydraulic liquid can flow freely. In a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic flow path, the cutting blades can extend between an inner surface of the tubular portion. In addition, they can, for example, taper conically in the direction of the connection opening and have a sharp edge in this direction that makes it easier to sever the exemplary covering in order thus to form the flow path. Here, the term cutting blade is intended to be interpreted broadly and to comprise not only metal cutters but all arrangements which have a sufficiently sharp edge in order to be able to easily sever the closure or the covering (for example a metal foil).
In further exemplary embodiments, the sliding element is of cylindrical design and comprises a groove having a first annular sealing element along the outer circumference in order to allow sealing between the counterpart, into which it is partially inserted, and the connecting part after the connection.
Optionally, an annular sealing element is formed between the cylindrical sliding element and the tubular portion in order to ensure sealing for the hydraulic liquid during a displacement of the sliding element.
In further exemplary embodiments, the connecting part comprises at least one protective cap which is configured to protect the closure from dust and/or from undesired severing. The protective cap can, for example, contain a material which prevents unintended severing (for example a plastic material).
In further exemplary embodiments, the closure comprises a piston-shaped slide which is movable parallel to the flow direction of the hydraulic fluid and which is pretensioned by a spring element in order to keep the hydraulic connecting duct closed before the connection, for example until such time as the connecting part is connected to the counterpart.
In further exemplary embodiments, the piston-shaped slide comprises at least one opening and is configured to be moved counter to the spring tension during the connection of the connecting part to the counterpart and in so doing expose the at least one opening, with the result that the at least one opening becomes part of the hydraulic flow path.
In further exemplary embodiments, the closure and/or the sealing elements are or is configured to maintain a predetermined oil pressure within the connecting duct before the connection to the counterpart (for example up to 5 bar, 7 bar or up to 10 bar).
In further exemplary embodiments, the fastening arrangement provide a thread-shaped engagement arrangement between the connecting part and the counterpart, with the result that the connecting part and the counterpart approach one another during the connection and the opening arrangement open the closure.
The present invention also relates to a hydraulic counterpart which is configured for connection to the hydraulic connecting part. The counterpart comprises a further hydraulic connecting duct with a further connection opening, a further closure for the further connection opening and at least one further fastening element. The further connection opening faces the connecting part during the connection. The further closure is configured to keep the hydraulic liquid in the further connecting duct. The at least one further fastening arrangement is configured to fasten the counterpart to the connecting part and to keep the hydraulic flow path open.
In further exemplary embodiments, the counterpart additionally comprises a (step-shaped) stop region which forms a stop and is formed at a position in the counterpart, with the result that, during the connection of the connecting part to the counterpart, the sliding element of the connecting part butts against the stop region and subsequently moves relative to the tubular portion. Optionally, the further closure comprises a further covering which is arranged in such a way that, during the connection, the opening arrangement of the connecting part sever the further covering.
In further exemplary embodiments, the further closure comprises a stop element, a sliding element and a further spring element, wherein the further spring element sealingly presses the sliding element under a pretensioning against the stop element. The sliding element is formed for example in order to be displaced against the spring tension during the connection and at the same time to expose the further hydraulic connection duct.
In further exemplary embodiments, the counterpart comprises at least one flat seal which is formed on the stop region or in a bottom region of the counterpart in order to achieve fluid sealing between the stop portion and the sliding element. An advantage of this embodiment consists in the fact that the stop can be dispensed with since the flat seal itself can form the stop. Moreover, the wear of the sealing element in a flat seal is minimized and the reliability is increased.
The present invention also relates to a quick connector having a hydraulic connecting part and a hydraulic counterpart, as have been described above. The present invention also relates to a commercial vehicle having the quick connector. For example, the quick connector can be used for connection between a steering gear and a hydraulic module. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to this specific application.
Exemplary embodiments achieve the aforementioned technical object by specifically configured closures which are present on the hydraulic subcomponents and which allow filling with hydraulic oil already prior to assembly (for example by a supplier). In a final assembly stage of a vehicle, the individual components can then be assembled in a simple manner. Exemplary embodiments thus achieve the following advantages: a simple handling is possible during installation and a final filling of the systems with oil is not required, which offers significant advantages for quick assembly. Since oil is already present in the connecting parts, there is no risk of contamination and the entry of air during coupling can be minimized. Since the two components can already be filled with oil by a supplier prior to the final assembly stage of the vehicle, the final assembly stage of the vehicle can be made more efficient.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are thus able to be used in particular as single-use connectors for quick assemblies of hydraulic components in series production, wherein any desired hydraulic components can be connected with the quick connector according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description and the appended drawings of the different exemplary embodiments which should not be understood, however, such that they restrict the disclosure to the specific embodiments, but merely serve for explanation and for understanding.
The hydraulic connecting part 100A comprises a hydraulic connecting duct 110 having a connection opening 112 and fastening arrangement 140. The connection opening 112 faces the counterpart 200A during the connection and the fastening arrangement 140 are configured to fasten the connecting part 100A to the counterpart 200A. The hydraulic connecting part 100A further comprises a closure 120 for the connection opening 112, wherein the closure 120 is configured to keep a hydraulic liquid (not shown in
The hydraulic counterpart 200A is configured for connection to the hydraulic connecting part 100A and comprises a further hydraulic connecting duct 210 having a further connection opening 212 which faces the connecting part 100A during the connection. The counterpart 200A additionally comprises a basic body 235 which defines the connection opening 212, and a further closure 220 for the connection opening 212, wherein the further closure 220 is configured to keep a hydraulic liquid (not shown in
The term “opening” or “connection opening” is intended to be interpreted broadly and not to be limited to the “opening” always having to be open. Rather, what is to be understood by “opening” is a region which, although it can be temporarily closed (for example by a closure), can be opened by “opening arrangement” and thus allows at least one open state.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hydraulic connecting duct 110 of the connecting part 100A is formed by a tubular portion 114, and the opening arrangement 130 are fastened to the connection opening 112 of the tubular portion 114. The exemplary embodiment additionally comprises a cylindrical sliding element 150 which is arranged so as to be displaceable with respect to a longitudinal direction along the tubular portion 114. The closure 120 is fastened to a front end of the sliding element 150, wherein the front end can be defined as an inlet or outlet opening for the hydraulic liquid 10 between the connecting parts. A pipe or hose outlet can be formed on a rear end 118 (opposite to the front end), which outlet is connected, for example, to a hydraulic module or another component (not shown).
The siding element 150 is pretensioned by a first spring element 152, with the result that an interspace 114 is formed between the closure 120 and the opening arrangement 130. The first spring element 152 can be configured, for example, as a compression spring which extends between a projection 151 of the sliding element 150 and a projection 116 of the tubular portion 114, with the result that the sliding element 150 is pressed along the tubular portion 114 in the direction of the connection opening 112.
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment of
At the same time, the counterpart 200A offers a stop 250 for the sliding element 150 of the connecting part 100A, with the result that, upon connection of the connecting part 100A to the counterpart 200A, the sliding element 150 butts against the stop 250 (or stop region) and, during the connection, is pressed back in the opposite direction (toward the rear end 118) counter to the spring tension. In addition, the closure can be configured as a covering 120. In a similar manner, the further closure 220 can be configured as a further covering on the stop 250. The coverings 120, 220 can, for example, take the form of a foil or membrane consisting of a plastic material or a metal material (also as metal cover or sheet metal cover).
The connection can occur, for example, by engagement of the screw-form fastening element 120 (with the threaded potion 122) in a corresponding external thread as further fastening arrangement 240, during which time the covering 120 remains in (direct) contact with the further covering 220. As a result, the entry of air is kept low during the connection. This further leads to the fact that the interspace 144 between the opening arrangement 130 and the closure 120 is reduced and subsequently the opening arrangement 130 open the closure 120 and also the further closure 220 of the counterpart 200A. Consequently, the fluid flow path is opened along the connecting duct 110 of the connecting piece and along the connecting duct 210 in the counterpart.
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment of
The internal thread 122 of the fastening element 120 and the external thread of the basic body 235 do not yet need to engage in one another at this moment. For this purpose, the exemplary union nut 140 can be pushed back. The connecting part 100A can be inserted so far into the depression 216 until the closures 120, 220 abut (see
Since, prior to the assembly of the connecting part 100A with the counterpart 200A, it is possible, for example, for hydraulic oil 10 to be situated in the connecting duct 110 and also in the further connecting duct 210 under an (over)pressure, sealing elements are formed at various points. They are intended to prevent a situation in which the hydraulic liquid 10 can escape during the connection (but also before or after). For example, an annular sealing element 160 is formed between the tubular portion 114 and the sliding element 150. It prevents hydraulic liquid 10 from being able to flow along an outer surface of the tubular portion 114 from the connection opening 112 toward the rear end 118. The sealing element 160 is advantageously configured to be annular in a groove extending along the outer circumferential direction of the tubular portion 114. In this way it is possible, during the movement of the sliding element 150, for the sealing element 160 to move in a rolling manner in order thus to reduce wear.
Moreover, a further annular sealing element 218 is present between the further closure 220 of the counterpart 200A and the basic body 235 or the stop 250. A further annular sealing element 190 is arranged between the closure 120 of the connecting part 100A and the sliding element 150. The pressure which is exerted by the first spring element 152 simultaneously ensures that the sealing elements 218, 190 are under tension and thus ensure reliable sealing. Finally, an annular sealing element 156 can likewise be formed in a groove along the outer circumference of the sliding element 150, said sealing element ensuring sealing between the sliding element 150 and the counterpart 200A.
The exemplary embodiment which has been described by
The fastening arrangement 140 in the exemplary embodiment shown comprise, for example, two bolt elements 123 (Allen screws) which engage in a threaded opening 223 of the basic body 235 and, via a holder 117 (for example in the form of a stirrup or cylinder), press the tubular portion 114 of the connecting part 100A against the counterpart 200A. As also in
The use of the flat seal 218 arrangement that, in this exemplary embodiment, only a minimum air inclusion is possible, which thus increases the reliability of the hydraulic connection. A further advantage of this exemplary embodiment consists in the simple mounting which becomes possible through the use of conventional screws 123.
All further elements are, as stated, formed in the same way as has been shown in the exemplary embodiment of
In all of the previously shown exemplary embodiments, the closure 120 and/or the further closure 220 are or is fastened to the sliding element 150 or the basic body 235 (for example as membrane), for example via grooves, depressions or a thread, and are or is damaged during the production of the hydraulic connection. However, the invention is not limited to such single-use connectors.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the closure 120 comprises a (piston-shaped) slide 135 with laterally formed openings 136. The slide 135 is pretensioned by a further spring element 137 in order to close the connection opening 112 of the connecting duct 110 by the slide 135 (no openings 136 are formed in the region of the connection opening 112). For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the closure 120 is partially formed as a truncated cone which butts against a beveled projection 119 of the tubular portion 114 and thus tightly closes off the laterally formed openings 136 and also the connection opening 112 of the connecting duct 110.
Moreover, the exemplary embodiment comprises a protective cap 132 for the connection opening 112 of the connecting part 100B, which is configured to protect the connection opening 112 from unintended opening (for example by a sliding-back of the slide 135 into the connecting duct 110). To seal the connecting duct 110, an annular sealing element is incorporated in the slide 135, opposite the beveled projection 119. Moreover, the exemplary embodiment comprises fastening arrangement 140 which, as in
However, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, no opening arrangement is necessary. Rather, the slide 135 is pushed back by the interaction with the counterpart 200B and the connecting duct 110 consequently opened.
The counterpart 200B again comprises a further hydraulic connecting duct 210, a further closure 220 and a stop element 250. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the further closure 220 comprises a further sliding element 260 of annular design which extends for example as an annular piston around the stop element 250 and is displaceable relative thereto. In addition, the counterpart 200B comprises further fastening elements 223 (230) which can again be formed as an internal thread part 223 in order to receive the exemplary Allen screws 123 of the connecting part 100B. In this exemplary embodiment, the stop element 250 is fastened immovably to the counter body/basic body 235 and the further sliding element 260 is arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the basic body 220 within a cylindrically formed depression of the basic body 220.
The stop element 250 has a first portion 251 and a second portion 252, wherein the first portion 251 is shown as a cross-sectional view (perpendicular to the further connecting duct 210) in the image at the bottom in
Moreover, the counterpart 200B from the exemplary embodiment of
In
Subsequently thereto, the connecting part 100B is moved further in the direction of the counterpart 200B (see
Finally, the fastening elements (i.e. the screw connections 123, 223) can be screwed together and produce a firm connection between the connecting part 100B and the counterpart 200B. As also in the embodiments of
The embodiments of
Moreover, this exemplary embodiment also offers the advantage that, by virtue of a prefilling with hydraulic liquid 10, an air inclusion during the connection is minimized. Here, too, the hydraulic liquid 10 can be introduced in the connecting part 100B under a pressure of for example about 5 bar (or any other desired pressure). In the counterpart 200B there can, but need not, bear an overpressure for the hydraulic liquid 10 (a vacuum can also be formed there). The exemplary embodiment of
Consequently, the hydraulic connections can be quickly released and also re-established. However, the screw connections shown constitute only one possibility which allows secure and firm fastening of the connecting part 100A, 100B to the counterpart 200A, 200B. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the screw-type connection. Any other desired fastening possibility is also intended to be encompassed (for example rivet connection, clamping connections or any other desired force- or form-fitting form of connection).
Although the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, a particular exemplary embodiment can be applied for the electrohydraulically operated steering system of a commercial vehicle (for example a truck), wherein, for example, a steering gear are connected to a hydraulic module or to a cylinder of a further steerable axle via the hydraulic connection. Of course, exemplary embodiments can also be applied to all further hydraulic components in vehicles. When using the hydraulic connector according to the present invention, the hydraulic module of a commercial vehicle can be mounted at a suitable point, to be precise independently of the position of the exemplary steering gear or of another hydraulic module which is intended to be operated by the hydraulic module. In order to increase the variety of variants, it is possible, for example in the case of a nonrequired cylinder for a second steering axle, in place of the basic body 235, also to use a closure plug for a permanently nonrequired quick coupling.
The features of the invention which are disclosed in the description, the claims and the figures may be essential both individually and in any desired combination for implementing the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2016 115 389.3 | Aug 2016 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2017/070114 | 8/8/2017 | WO | 00 |
