Improved support structure for steering member

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame (100) for supporting a hydraulic machine (300), the frame comprising: a base (110) configured to fit on a chassis, the base (110) having an inner surface (112) and an outer surface (116); two arms (120, 130) extending from the proximal end (113) and the distal end (114) of the inner surface (112) of the base (110), said arms (120, 130) being spaced apart from each other and each having a through-recess (124, 134) aligned along a pivot axis (Z-Z), thereby defining a housing designed to receive a hydraulic machine (300) rotatably mounted relative to the frame (100) along the pivot axis (Z-Z), the frame (100) being characterized in that the frame (100) is configured to receive the hydraulic machine (300); and a base (110) comprising a through channel (125, 135) formed in each arm (120, 130) between the recess (124, 134) and the base (110), the base (110) having a slot (115) formed in an inner surface (112) thereof so as to form a continuous cable passage (300) with said channel (125, 135).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydraulic machine supports for steering members. Background Art

[0002] Hydraulic machines are commonly used in various applications, for example, to rotationally drive components for the propulsion of vehicles or aircraft, particularly steering components.

[0003] In the case of a hydraulic machine driving the steering member, problems arise in connection with the passage of cables and lines through the rotating connection between the hydraulic machine and the chassis. In particular, the guidance of the cables presents problems in connection with the protection of the cables on the one hand and the accessibility of the cables on the other hand. In particular, the cables must be protected from friction with objects and vegetation on the vehicle when the vehicle, in particular an agricultural vehicle, is in motion, and they must also be protected from impacts, squeezing and tearing during the transport and installation of the hydraulic machine on the vehicle. In particular, during the operation of the steering assembly including the hydraulic machine, both for the installation of the machine and for maintenance operations on the steering member, the cables must be protected and a safe and easy electrical connection must be allowed. The cables must also be easily accessible for maintenance.

[0004] The present invention aims to at least partially address these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention proposes a support frame for a hydraulic machine, the frame comprising:

[0006] a base adapted to be assembled on the chassis, the base having an inner surface and an outer surface;

[0007] two arms extending from the proximal and distal ends of the inner surface of the base, the arms being spaced apart from one another and each having a through recess aligned along the pivot axis, thereby defining a receptacle adapted to receive a hydraulic machine rotatably mounted relative to the frame along the pivot axis,

[0008] The frame is characterized in that it comprises a through channel provided in each of the arms between the recess and the base, the base being formed with a slot on its inner surface so as to form a continuous cable passage with the channel.

[0009] According to one example, each arm has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface being oriented towards the housing and the outer surface being opposite to the inner surface,

[0010] Each channel provided in the arm passes between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0011] According to one example, the base comprises two sections on either side of the slot, said sections defining a space inside the base forming a cable passage.

[0012] According to one example, at least one of said sections of the base comprises a groove suitable for allowing the passage of a clamping element (350) around said at least one section.

[0013] According to one example, each arm comprises a recess extending in the extension of the slot of the base, said recess defining a portion of reduced thickness of the arm, in which recess a hole is formed.

[0014] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a frame as defined above and a cable, said cable passing through the frame by running in its internal space, said cable successively passing through a channel, a slot and a further channel.

[0015] According to one example, the assembly comprises a clamping element adapted to hold the cable in position within the slot of the base.

[0016] According to one example, the cable has a portion located inside the frame between the two channels of the arm, and a portion located outside the frame, the portion located inside the frame being arranged in a housing defined between the inner and outer surfaces of the frame.

[0017] According to one example, the assembly further comprises a cover adapted to wrap an end of the cable extending from the channel on the outer surface of the arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples.

[0019] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 An overall view of the hydraulic machine coupled to the frame is shown.

[0020] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is the view of the frame.

[0021] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the frame.

[0022] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is another view showing the cover mounted on the frame.

[0023] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of .

[0024] Throughout the drawings, the same elements are identified by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference below Figures 1 to 3 An example of a framework and components according to an aspect of the present invention is described.

[0026] Figure 1 An embodiment of an assembly is shown that is particularly useful for driving a steering member of a vehicle or aircraft. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specific views are shown for explaining the structure.

[0027] Figure 1 A frame 100 is shown, which forms a support for a hydraulic machine 200 .

[0028] The hydraulic machine 200 is typically a radial piston or axial piston hydraulic machine and has a first component and a second component which are rotationally movable relative to each other in an axial direction XX, which typically corresponds to the axis of a shaft of the hydraulic machine 200 .

[0029] The frame 100 forms a support enabling a pivot axis ZZ to be defined between the hydraulic machine 200 and the frame 100. The frame 100 is usually mounted on a chassis; the pivot axis ZZ therefore enables the orientation of the components driven in rotation by the hydraulic machine 200 to be defined.

[0030] The pivot axis ZZ is generally perpendicular to the axial direction XX of the hydraulic machine 200 or inclined at an angle between 60° and 90° relative to the axial direction XX of the hydraulic machine 200 .

[0031] As shown, the frame 100 includes a base 110 and two arms 120 and 130 extending from the base 110 .

[0032] The illustrated base 110 is generally plate-shaped and has an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 116. The inner surface 112 corresponds to the surface of the base 110 that is oriented toward the hydraulic machine 200, while the outer surface 116 is generally suitable for being secured to a support or chassis. It should be understood that, more generally, the outer surface 116 refers to the portion of the base 110 that is opposite the inner surface 112 and that is suitable for being secured to a support or chassis.

[0033] The inner surface 112 of the base 110 defines a proximal end 113 and a distal end 114. The designations "proximal" and "distal" are arbitrary and are used only to distinguish the two ends of the base 110. Two arms 120 and 130 extend from the proximal end 113 and the distal end 114 of the inner surface 112 of the base 110, respectively. Therefore, the two arms 120 and 130 may be referred to as the proximal arm 120 and the distal arm 130, respectively, and these designations are also arbitrary and are used only for illustrative purposes.

[0034] The two arms 120 and 130 extend to define two parallel supports 122 and 132, respectively. The two supports 122 and 132 are spaced apart from each other to define a housing suitable for receiving the hydraulic machine 200. The two supports 122 and 132 each have a through recess 124 and 134, thereby defining a pivot axis ZZ.

[0035] Such a frame 100 is often referred to as a C-frame.

[0036] As mentioned above, such elements involve the problem of passing cables, in particular electrical connectors or cables.

[0037] In the proposed assembly, the frame 100 has a structure suitable for the passage of such cables.

[0038] The accompanying drawings show an example of a cable, designated 300, which is, for example, an electrical cable. Such a cable can be used for various functions, for example, to connect electrical sensors, such as position or speed sensors, pivot angle sensors, or other sensors (such as flow or pressure sensors) for hydraulic machines. Control or command cables may also be present, such as electrical commands for changing the displacement of a hydraulic machine. The cable may contain multiple electrical conductors for these various functions.

[0039] As shown, the cable 300 passes through the frame 100. The cable 300 passes through the two arms 120 and 130 and through a slot formed in the base 110.

[0040] Each arm 120 and 130 includes a passage 125 and 135, respectively, extending therethrough. Each arm 120 and 130 defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of an arm is the surface oriented toward the other arm and, therefore, toward the receptacle adapted to receive the hydraulic machine 200. Thus, the inner surfaces of the arms 120 and 130 are oriented toward each other. The outer surface of the arm is opposite the inner surface.

[0041] Thus, each arm 120 and 130 has a through passage 125 or 135 between its inner and outer surfaces that is sized to allow passage of the cable 300. The passages 125 and 135 are typically holes that open from the inner surface of each arm 120 and 130. The passages 125 and 135 can be machined or formed integrally with the frame 100.

[0042] Channels 125 and 135 open toward the interior surface 112 of base 110. As shown, base 110 includes a slot 115 or groove extending from its proximal end 113 to its distal end 114, thereby forming a continuous passage within base 110 between channels 125 and 135.

[0043] Thus, the cable 300 can be routed through the frame 100 from the outer surface of the arm 120 through the first channel 125 to the inner surface, then through the slot 115 of the base 110, and then from the inner surface of the arm 130 through the second channel 135 to the outer surface. It should be understood that the direction of travel has no effect; the reverse path is also possible, and it should be understood that the installation direction will lead to the same result.

[0044] More generally, the cable has a first end 302 adapted to connect to a connector secured to a chassis to which the frame 100 is mounted, and a second end 304 adapted to connect to a connector covering one of the arms 120 or 130 (in the example shown, arm 130).

[0045] The arms 120 and 130 each typically have a recess that extends in an extension of the slot 115 of the base 110. These recesses thus define a reduced thickness portion of the arms 120 and 130, with the channels 125 and 135 formed therein. These recesses and the slot 115 of the base 110 thus form a receptacle for the cable 300 within the space of the frame 100, generally such that the cable 300 does not protrude from the inner surface 112 of the base 110 or the inner surfaces of the arms 120 and 130.

[0046] Thus, the cable 300 is housed within the space defined by the geometry of the frame 100. Specifically, if the inner surface 112 of the base 110 and the inner surfaces of the arms 120 and 130 are considered to define a housing around the geometry of the frame 100, then the cable 300 is typically disposed within this housing and, therefore, within the space of the frame 100 relative to the inner surface 112 of the base 110 and the inner surfaces of the arms 120 and 130. Consequently, such a configuration allows the cable 300 to be protected from the risk of impact and tearing by the structure of the frame 100 (typically a casting).

[0047] A clamping element 350, such as a clamping collar, is typically used to hold and guide the cable relative to the frame 100, particularly within the slot 115 of the base 110. As shown, the base 110 is typically comprised of two segments extending between a proximal end 113 and a distal end 114. The two segments are spaced apart from one another to form the slot 115 through which the cable 300 passes. Furthermore, each segment typically has a recess 352 formed on the outer surface 116 of the base 110 for passage of the clamping element 350. This allows the clamping element 350 to be installed and removed without disassembling the frame 100, particularly when the frame 100 is secured to a chassis or support.

[0048] Therefore, the proposed structure is able to protect the cable 300 by means of the frame 100 while facilitating installation and removal operations of the cable 300 without completely disassembling the assembly.

[0049] The proposed frame structure 100 offers advantages over existing structures. Existing structures either provide cable passages on the sides of the frame 100, exposing the cables to impact, or at the interface between the frame 100 and the associated chassis, requiring complete disassembly of the assembly to replace the cables 300. Notably, this frame structure protects the cables during installation, removal, and transport, requiring only the frame 100 itself. However, the cables 300 remain easily accessible and can be replaced without removing the frame 100 from the machine.

[0050] Optionally, the proposed system may include a cover 360 that is mounted on an outer surface of the distal arm 130 where the second end 304 of the cable 300 is located. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two views of such an embodiment are shown.

[0051] These figures show a cover that covers the second end 304 of the cable 300 and, where appropriate, the associated connector. As shown, the cover 360 is screwed onto the distal arm 130. The cover 360 is curved and includes a tab 362 that is adapted to partially extend into the channel 135, thereby guiding and protecting the cable 300 from the channel 135 to the second end 304 of the cable.

[0052] Cover 360 is typically made of plastic or metal.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations may be made to these examples without departing from the overall scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In particular, the various features of the various illustrated / described embodiments may be combined in other embodiments. The description and drawings are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0054] It is also obvious that all features described with reference to a method can be transferred, alone or in combination, to an apparatus, and vice versa, all features described with reference to an apparatus can be transferred, alone or in combination, to a method.

Claims

1. A support frame (100) for a hydraulic machine, the frame comprising: A base (110) adapted to be assembled on a chassis, the base (110) having an inner surface (112) and an outer surface (116); Two arms (120, 130) extending from the proximal end (113) and the distal end (114) of the inner surface (112) of the base (110), the arms (120, 130) being spaced apart from each other and each having a through recess (124, 134) aligned along the pivot axis (ZZ), thereby defining a housing suitable for receiving a hydraulic machine (300) rotatably mounted relative to the frame (100) along the pivot axis (ZZ), Characterized in that the frame (100) includes a through channel (125, 135) provided in each of the arms (120, 130) between the recess (124, 134) and the base (110), the base (110) having a slot (115) formed in its inner surface (112) to form a continuous cable passage (300) with the channel (125, 135).

2. The frame (100) of claim 1, wherein each arm (120, 130) has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface being oriented toward the receiving portion and the outer surface being opposite to the inner surface, and each channel (125, 135) provided in the arm (120, 130) passes between the inner surface and the outer surface.

3. The frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the base (110) comprises two sections located on both sides of the slot (115), the sections defining a space within the base for forming a cable passage.

4. The frame (100) of claim 3, wherein at least one of the sections of the base (110) comprises a groove (352) adapted to allow a clamping element (350) to pass around the at least one section.

5. A frame (100) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein each of the arms (120, 130) comprises a recess extending in the extension of the slot (115) of the base (110), the recess defining a portion of reduced thickness of the arm (120, 130) and forming a hole (125, 135) in the recess.

6. An assembly comprising a frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a cable (300), the cable (300) passing through the frame (100) by passing through the interior space of the frame (100), the cable passing through a channel (125 or 135), the slot (115) and another channel (135 or 125) in sequence.

7. The assembly of claim 6, comprising a clamping element (350) adapted to hold the cable (300) in place in the slot (115) of the base (110).

8. An assembly according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the cable (300) has a portion located inside the frame between the two channels (125, 135) of the arms (120, 130), and a portion located outside the frame (100), the portion located inside the frame being arranged in a housing defined between the inner and outer surfaces of the frame (100).

9. The assembly according to any one of claims 7 or 8, further comprising a cover (350) adapted to enclose the end of the cable (300) extending from the channel (125 or 135) on the outer surface of the arm (120 or 130).

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