Patent Application
20200326024
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to patent application no. DE 10 2019 205 141.3, filed on Apr. 10, 2019 in Germany, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The disclosure relates to a range of a plurality of rapid couplers according to the preamble of Claim 1.
EP 3 244 114 B1 discloses a rapid coupler which comprises two coupler cartridges, which can be activated by means of a common activation lever. The rapid coupler is provided to install on a valve disc of a valve block comprising a plurality of directional valves. Such rapid couplers are, for example, used in agricultural tractors in order to be able to rapidly produce and release the hydraulic connections to replaceable attachments. Generally, hydraulic hose lines are connected to the corresponding coupler cartridges.
Another rapid coupler is known from U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,502 B2.
From the website which was available at the internet address https://www.fastercouplings.com/couplings-check-valves on 29 Mar. 2019, a large number of coupler cartridges are further known. In the context of the present disclosure, however, only the types are relevant which can be activated by means of an activation lever or which are constructed with push-pull technology.
An advantage of the present disclosure is that the rapid couplers of the range can be combined with each other in a freely selectable manner. This can take place not only with the initial production of a subassembly of rapid couplers. Instead, it is also possible to retrospectively change a rapid coupler of one type for one of another type. In this instance, the rapid couplers are constructed in such a manner that the spacing separation thereof is constructed to be equal to the spacing separation of the valve discs of the valve block, regardless of which coupler cartridge is used.
In spite of this tight structural space, all rapid couplers can be activated independently of each other. Furthermore, all conventional coupler cartridges can be used. Furthermore, the most frequently requested variant by far, that is to say, the rapid coupler of the first subtype, is particularly cost-effective. Furthermore, the coupler housings are constructed in a particularly material-saving manner. The different rapid couplers of the range have many identical components so that, in spite of the different coupler cartridges, they can be produced in a cost-effective manner.
According to the independent claim, it is proposed that all coupler housings be constructed integrally, wherein all coupler cartridges are each secured directly in or on the associated coupler housing, wherein the first and second working connections, the securing apertures and, if present, the leakage oil connections are constructed in an identical manner in all rapid couplers with respect to their shape and their relative position inside the associated connection face, wherein at least two rapid couplers of the range have different coupler cartridges, wherein all coupler housings can be arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis beside each other with a constant spacing separation which is identical for all rapid couplers of the range. The spacing separation mentioned is preferably between 100% and 130% of the largest outer diameter of the largest coupler cartridge. The remaining wall thickness between the coupler cartridge and outer surface of the coupler housing is preferably constructed to be as small as technically possible.
Preferably, the center axes of the coupler cartridges when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be arranged in two parallel alignments when any rapid couplers of the range are combined to form a subassembly. The center axes of the coupler cartridges are preferably orientated parallel with the vertical axis. The securing apertures preferably extend parallel with the vertical axis.
Advantageous developments and improvements of the disclosure are set out in the dependent claims.
There may be provision for the range to comprise a plurality of rapid couplers of the first type, wherein a joining face is arranged in a parallel manner opposite the connection face on the coupler housing of the rapid couplers of the first type, wherein the two corresponding coupler cartridges are arranged opposite the joining face in a state recessed in the coupler housing, wherein they are accessible in the region of the joining face for connecting a counter-piece, wherein the spacing between the connection and joining face in the direction of the vertical axis is constructed to be identical on all rapid couplers of the first type, wherein at least two rapid couplers of the first type have different coupler cartridges.
There may be provision for each coupler cartridge of a rapid coupler of the first type to be associated with a protective cap, which at least indirectly abuts the joining face, wherein it can be pivoted relative to a first rotation axis which is arranged parallel with the vertical axis, wherein it completely covers the associated coupler cartridge in at least one pivot position, wherein all protective caps are constructed identically, regardless of the type of the associated coupler cartridge. The protective cap may rest directly on the joining face. However, it is also conceivable for both protective caps of a rapid coupler to be secured to a common plate-like intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion rests on the joining face.
There may be provision for the rapid couplers of the first type to each have at least one actuation lever, wherein all the actuation levers are constructed to be identical with regard to their shape which is visible from the outer side, wherein each actuation lever has a second rotation axis which is arranged parallel with the transverse axis, wherein the spacing between the second rotation axis and the associated connection face, in the case of at least two actuation levers which are associated with different coupler cartridges, is constructed to be different. Preferably, the rapid couplers of the first type have two actuation levers which are arranged with respect to the transverse axis at opposing sides of the coupler housing. The two actuation levers may be connected to each other in a rotationally secure manner so that with both actuation levers both coupler cartridges can be activated at the same time. However, it is also conceivable for the two actuation levers to be able to be pivoted independently of each other, wherein one of the two coupler cartridges is associated with each actuation lever. When a plurality of any rapid couplers of the first type are combined to form a subassembly, all actuation levers have in the direction of the longitudinal axis a spacing which is equal to the spacing separation. This spacing is preferably measured at the second rotation axis.
There may be provision for the coupler housing of the rapid couplers of the first type to each have a flange portion and a cartridge portion which are arranged beside each other in the direction of the vertical axis, wherein they are delimited from each other by means of a first recess which is arranged externally on the coupler housing, wherein the coupler cartridges are received in the cartridge portion, wherein the connection face is arranged on the flange portion, wherein the securing apertures comprise at least a first securing aperture which extends through the flange portion, wherein it opens in the first recess. Accordingly, via the first recess, a securing means, for example, a screw bolt, can be introduced into the first securing aperture. The joining face is preferably arranged on the cartridge portion.
There may be provision for there to be arranged externally on the cartridge portion at least one second recess which extends in the direction of the vertical axis over the entire height of the cartridge portion, wherein it opens in the first recess, wherein the second recess is arranged in such a manner that, when viewed in the direction of the vertical axis, the view of an associated first securing aperture is not blocked by the coupler housing. The second recess preferably has a constant cross-sectional shape along the vertical axis. Preferably, a second recess is associated with all first securing apertures. The second recesses are preferably a component of a blank of the coupler housing which is produced extremely preferably using a casting method.
There may be provision for the rapid couplers of the first type to comprise a first subtype, in which the first recess is constructed so as to extend continuously with respect to the vertical axis around the coupler housing, wherein all the securing apertures are first securing apertures. Preferably, a first recess is associated with all first securing apertures. The rapid couplers of the first subtype are preferably provided with coupler cartridges of a first type, which have a size which is reduced compared with the largest coupler cartridge (second or third type) of the range. For example, they have the nominal size of ½ inch.
There may be provision for the rapid couplers of the first type to comprise a second subtype, in which the coupler housing has a planar side face, which is a component of the flange portion and the cartridge portion, wherein it is constructed in a coherent manner, wherein the securing apertures comprise a second securing aperture, which is arranged in the region of the mentioned side face, wherein it extends over the entire height of the coupler housing. The second securing apertures are preferably produced by means of drilling. The rapid couplers of the second subtype are preferably provided with the largest coupler cartridges (second or third type) of the range. For example, they have the nominal size of ¾ inch. The at least one second securing aperture is preferably provided with a recess in the region of the joining face. The mentioned side face is preferably not divided into two separate part-faces by the first recess.
There may be provision on each coupler cartridge at a first leakage location and a separate second leakage location for leakage oil to be able to be discharged, wherein the second leakage locations are permanently connected in fluid terms to the associated leakage oil connection, wherein the first leakage locations are connected to a leakage oil channel which extends through the coupler housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis so that the leakage oil channels produce a continuous channel when any rapid couplers of the range are combined along the longitudinal axis to form a subassembly. The second leakage location preferably guides clean leakage oil, which can be further used in the hydraulic circuit. The first leakage location is preferably arranged in the region of the joining face, wherein, when the coupler cartridges are coupled or uncoupled, there may occur at that location contaminated leakage oil, which should no longer be introduced into the hydraulic circuit, wherein it is instead collected in a separate container.
There may be provision for a mouth opening in the joining face to be associated with each coupler cartridge of a rapid coupler of the first type, wherein at the edge of the mouth opening there is arranged a third recess which extends with a constant cross-sectional shape in the direction of the vertical axis, wherein it is connected in fluid terms to the leakage oil channel.
There may be provision for the mouth opening to be defined by a circular-cylindrical fourth recess, which is arranged concentrically relative to the associated coupler cartridge, wherein the coupler cartridge is arranged flush with a base of the fourth recess or protrudes into the fourth recess. The fourth recess serves to collect the leakage oil from the first leakage location. Furthermore, as a result of appropriate selection of the depth of the fourth recess, the position of the second rotation axis relative to the connection face in all rapid couplers of the first type can be constructed in an identical manner.
There may be provision for the range to comprise at least one rapid coupler of the second type, wherein the corresponding coupler cartridges each have an actuation means, by way of which the coupling engagement can be released or produced, wherein the corresponding coupler housing is constructed in a plate-like manner, wherein the mentioned coupler cartridges are screwed to the coupler housing from the outer side. The actuation means may be a linearly movable actuation sleeve. Coupler cartridges with a linearly movable actuation sleeve are also referred to as coupler cartridges in push-pull technology. The coupler housing of the rapid couplers of the second type is preferably constructed in a similar manner to the flange portion of the coupler housing of the rapid couplers of the first type. The actuation means may also be a pivotably movable lever. The corresponding coupler cartridges are also referred to as “semi-integrated”.
Of course, the features mentioned above and those explained below may also be used not only in the combination given, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The disclosure is explained in greater detail below with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
The rapid couplers of the first type 21 comprise a plurality of rapid couplers of a first subtype 23. This is provided in each case with two female coupler cartridges 31 of the nominal size ½ inch. This is commercially by far the most requested variant of the rapid coupler 20. It is accordingly constructed in a particularly cost-effective manner. In particular, on the cast blank of the coupler housing only little machining post-processing is required, wherein the coupler housing is constructed in a particularly material-saving manner.
The rapid couplers of the first type 21 comprise a plurality of rapid couplers of a second subtype 24. This is in particular adapted to large coupler cartridges 32; 33 of the nominal size ¾ inch. These coupler cartridges may be constructed in a female variant 32 or in a flat-face variant 33. However, it is also conceivable for a coupler cartridge 31 of the nominal size ½ inch to be installed in a rapid coupler of the second subtype 24, particularly if later in the field when changing to larger couplers, for example, from ½″ to ¾″, only the coupler cartridge is intended to be replaced. With regard to further details, reference may be made to the statements relating to
Furthermore, the subassembly 10 comprises a rapid coupler of the second type 22. The coupler housing 50 thereof is constructed in accordance with the flange portion (No. 53 in
Within each connection face 70, for each rapid coupler 20 a first and a second working connection 71; 72 and four securing apertures 74 are arranged. Only with the rapid couplers of the first type is a leakage oil connection 73 further provided. These interface contours 71; 72; 73; 74 are constructed identically and arranged identically in all rapid couplers 20 so that the rapid couplers 20 can be replaced with respect to each other as desired.
The securing apertures 74 can be constructed as first or as second securing apertures 75; 76. Securing means 15 in the form of short screw bolts extend in each case through the short first securing apertures 75. The longer second securing apertures 76 are the reason for the tight structural space. Correspondingly long securing means in the form of screw bolts extend through them. Of course, other securing means, such as furniture closures, stay bolts with recesses and pins or stud screws can also be used from the side. The securing apertures 74 can further be provided with an inner thread so that screw bolts can be screwed in at that location.
The first recess 55 is constructed with respect to the vertical axis 12 so as to extend continuously around the coupler housing 50. Accordingly, all four securing apertures 74 open in the first recess 55 so that they are first securing apertures 75. Subsequently, the securing means can be introduced via the first recess 55 into the first securing apertures 75. The securing means are, for example, cylinder head screws having an internal hexagon socket or having a Torx profile. The corresponding screw tool is positioned via second recesses 56 which are arranged externally on the cartridge portion 54. The second recesses 56 extend with a constant cross-sectional shape in the direction of the vertical axis 12 over the entire height of the cartridge portion 54. They are arranged in alignment with an associated first securing aperture 75. The mentioned screw tool can consequently readily be orientated parallel with the vertical axis 12 while it is placed on the securing means.
It is further possible to see in
The two coupler cartridges 30 are in each case arranged in a state recessed with respect to the joining face 51 in the cartridge portion 54. In this instance, the coupler housing 50 has a circular-cylindrical fourth recess 58 which is arranged concentrically relative to the associated coupler cartridge 30. In this region there is a first leakage location 36 at which there may occur, when the coupler cartridge 30 is coupled or uncoupled, leakage oil which is often contaminated so that it should be disposed of. This leakage oil accumulates in the fourth recess 58. At the edge of the mouth opening 61 defined by the fourth recess 58, there is arranged a third recess which extends parallel with the vertical axis 12 with a constant cross-sectional shape. The fourth recesses 57 are connected in fluid terms to a leakage oil channel 60 which extends through the coupler housing 50 between the two coupler cartridges 30 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11. When the rapid couplers 20 are combined to form a subassembly, there is produced from the individual leakage oil channels 60 a channel which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11 and which is preferably connected to a collecting container in which the leakage oil of the first leakage locations is collected in order to dispose of it.
The height of the rapid coupler 20 is further illustrated in
The rapid coupler of the second subtype 24 has a coupler housing 50 having a planar side face 52 which is orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (No. 11 in
The two securing apertures 74 in the region of the side face 52 are constructed as second securing apertures 76, which extend through the coupler housing 50 over the entire height thereof. In the region of the joining face 51, the second securing apertures 76 are provided with a recess 77. The second securing apertures 76 are preferably produced by means of an expensive drilling processing operation, for which reason the rapid coupler according to the second subtype 24 is used only when this is absolutely necessary as a result of the structural space required inside the rapid coupler 20.
An advantage of the range according to the disclosure is that the subassembly illustrated in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2019 205 141.3 | Apr 2019 | DE | national |
