System for returning fluid from hydraulic device of working machine

Abstract

A system for returning fluid from one or more hydraulic devices to a fluid tank of a working machine includes a manifold and a mount. The manifold is configured to be fixedly mounted to the fluid tank. The manifold defines an interior volume for receiving fluid flow returned from the one or more hydraulic devices. The mount is configured to be fixedly mounted to each of the fluid tank and the manifold. The mount defines one or more channels configured to establish a fluid connection between the interior volume of the manifold, the filter of the work machine, and the interior volume of the fluid tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine, such as a motor grader, provided with a hydraulic device, such as a hydraulic actuator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for returning hydraulic fluid from one or more hydraulic devices to a fluid tank of the work machine. Background Art

[0002] Work machines such as motor graders typically utilize fluids to accomplish various tasks. As an example, the fluid may correspond to hydraulic oil stored in a fluid tank of the motor grader. In an exemplary operation, the hydraulic oil (from the fluid tank) is supplied to a hydraulic device (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) of the motor grader and is discharged from the hydraulic device back to the fluid tank to drive the hydraulic device, for example, to adjust the position of an implement (e.g., a blade) of the motor grader.

[0003] A fluid return system is provided for receiving fluid discharged from the hydraulic device and directing the received fluid back to the fluid tank. Conventional fluid return systems may include multiple components that are complex in structure, expensive to manufacture, and provide potential leakage points, for example, at joints (or connections) between components. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for returning fluid from one or more hydraulic devices to a fluid tank of a work machine. The system includes a manifold and a mounting member. The manifold is configured to be fixedly mounted to the fluid tank. The manifold defines an internal volume for receiving a fluid flow returned from the one or more hydraulic devices. The mounting member is configured to be fixedly mounted to each of the fluid tank and the manifold. The mounting member defines one or more channels. The one or more channels are configured to establish a fluid connection between the internal volume of the manifold, a filter of the work machine, and the internal volume of the fluid tank.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a work machine. The work machine includes a fluid tank defining an internal volume and a system for returning fluid from one or more hydraulic devices of the work machine to the fluid tank. The system includes a manifold and a mounting member. The manifold is configured to be fixedly mounted to the fluid tank. The manifold defines an internal volume for receiving a fluid flow returned from one or more hydraulic devices. The mounting member is configured to be fixedly mounted to each of the fluid tank and the manifold. The mounting member defines one or more channels. The one or more channels are configured to establish a fluid connection between the internal volume of the manifold, a fluid filter of the work machine, and the internal volume of the fluid tank.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling a system for returning fluid from one or more hydraulic devices to a fluid tank of a work machine. The method includes fixedly mounting a manifold to the fluid tank. The manifold defines an interior volume for receiving a fluid flow returned from the one or more hydraulic devices. In addition, the method includes fixedly mounting a bracket to the fluid tank and the manifold. The mounting member defines one or more channels. The one or more channels are configured to establish a fluid connection between the interior volume of the manifold, a fluid filter of the work machine, and the interior volume of the fluid tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 An exemplary working machine provided with a hydraulic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0008] Figure 2 A perspective view of a system for returning fluid from a hydraulic device to a fluid tank of a work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0009] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 4 A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0011] Figure 5 The embodiment according to the present invention is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the system taken along line AA;

[0012] Figure 6 The embodiment according to the present invention is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the system taken along line BB; and

[0013] Figure 7 A flow chart showing a method of assembling a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, for example, 1, 1', 1'', 101, and 201 may refer to one or more equivalent components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0015] Reference Figure 1, an exemplary working machine 100 (hereinafter referred to as "machine 100") is shown. Machine 100 can perform various operations associated with industries such as construction, mining, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. As an example, machine 100 is implemented as an automatic grader 100', which is configured to perform functions such as soil transformation functions, including moving, spreading, distributing, leveling and grading materials such as soil on the ground or working surface 104. Alternatively, machine 100 can be any working machine, including but not limited to backhoe loaders, excavators, haul trucks, bulldozers, crawler tractors, forklifts, skid steer loaders, multi-terrain loaders, etc.

[0016] The machine 100 may include a front end 108 and a rear end 112 opposite the front end 108. It should be noted that the front end 108 and the rear end 112 may be relative to an exemplary direction of travel of the machine 100 (in Figure 1 The machine 100 may include two lateral sides 116 that are laterally positioned relative to the exemplary direction of travel “T” of the machine 100. Figure 1 Only one lateral side 116 , for example the left side 116 , is visible.

[0017] The machine 100 may include a frame 120, a ground engaging member 124, a power system 128, an operator cabin 132, and one or more work tools 136. In addition, the machine 100 includes one or more hydraulic devices 140, a fluid tank 144, and a fluid filter 148. The frame 120 may house and / or support the power system 128, the cab 132, and the work tools 136, although other known components may also be supported by the frame 120. The ground engaging member 124 may support and propel the frame 120 (or the machine 100) on the work surface 104. The ground engaging member 124 may include a set of front wheels 152 disposed toward the front end 108 of the machine 100 and a set of rear wheels 156 disposed toward the rear end 112 of the machine 100. In some embodiments, the ground engaging member 124 may include tracks (not shown) provided alone or in combination with the wheels 152, 156.

[0018] The power system 128 includes a power compartment 160 of the machine 100 and a power source (not shown) housed within the power compartment 160. The power source may include an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gas fuel powered engine (e.g., a natural gas engine), or any other type of internal combustion engine known in the art. Alternatively, the power source may include a non-combustion power source, such as a fuel cell, or a power storage device, such as a battery cell. The power source may be configured to generate the output power required to operate various systems or components on the machine 100, such as the ground engaging member 124, the work implement 136, etc.

[0019] The operator compartment 132 may facilitate positioning one or more operators therein to monitor the operation of the machine 100. In addition, the operator compartment 132 may house various components and controls of the machine 100, access to one or more of which may assist the operator in controlling the movement and / or operation of the machine. For example, the various components and controls of the machine 100 may include one or more steering wheels, touch screens, display devices, joysticks, switches, etc., to facilitate the operator in operating the work tools 136 or hydraulic devices 140 of the machine 100, etc.

[0020] Two work implements 136, a front work implement 164 and a rear work implement 168, are provided on the machine 100. The front work implement 164 may be mounted toward the front end 108 of the machine 100. The front work implement 164 may include a blade 172 (e.g., a moldboard 172'). The blade 172 may be supported below the frame 120 of the machine 100. The rear work implement 168 may be coupled and supported on the frame 120 and may be positioned toward the rear end 112 of the machine 100. The rear work implement 168 may include a ripper group 176 including one or more ripper blades 176'. The front work implement 164 and the rear work implement 168 may perform one or more of the aforementioned soil improvement functions. Details related to each of the work implement 164 and the rear work implement 168 in the art may occur to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed further.

[0021] The hydraulic device 140 may include one or more hydraulic cylinders 180 configured to be hydraulically actuated to control the position and / or orientation of the work tool 136. For example, two first hydraulic cylinders 184 (one of which is in Figure 1 104) is hydraulically actuated (e.g., to extend or retract) to control the position of the front work tool 164 relative to the work surface 104, and the second hydraulic cylinder 188 is hydraulically actuated (e.g., to extend or retract) to control the position of the rear work tool 168 relative to the work surface 104. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the hydraulic device 140 may also include other types of hydraulic systems, components and / or parts of the machine 100, such as hydraulic motors, hydraulic pumps, etc.

[0022] The hydraulic device 140 can be hydraulically actuated when a fluid (e.g., hydraulic oil) is applied (e.g., supplied and exhausted) under pressure. For example, the first hydraulic cylinder 184 can be extended by supplying fluid to its head end 192 (via the first fluid line 196) and exhausting fluid from its rod end 200 (via the second fluid line 204) to, for example, lower the blade 172 relative to the working surface 104. Alternatively, the first hydraulic cylinder 184 can be retracted by supplying fluid to its rod end 200 (via the second fluid line 204) and exhausting fluid from its head end 192 (via the first fluid line 196), for example, to raise the blade 172 relative to the working surface 104.

[0023] The fluid tank 144 is configured to store fluid to be supplied to and discharged from the hydraulic device 140. The fluid tank 144 can isolate and / or protect the fluid stored therein from external environmental factors, such as moisture, dust, dirt, etc. In this embodiment, the fluid tank 144 is housed in the power compartment 160 (e.g., Figure 1 In other embodiments, fluid tank 144 may be housed at any suitable location on machine 100 .

[0024] Reference Figure 2 , 3 5, the fluid box 144 includes a housing 208 that defines an interior volume 212 and walls, namely a first wall 216, a second wall 220, a third wall 224, a fourth wall 228, a fifth wall 232, a sixth wall 236, a seventh wall 240 (or a top wall 240), and an eighth wall 244 (or a bottom wall 244). The sixth wall 236, the seventh wall 240, and the eighth wall 244 can be substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The first wall 216, the second wall 220, the third wall 224, the fourth wall 228, and the fifth wall 232 can be at an angle, for example, substantially perpendicular, relative to the seventh wall 240. The first wall 216 and the third wall 224 can be substantially parallel to each other. The second wall 220 can extend from the first wall 216 at a certain angle to intersect the third wall 224. In addition, the fourth wall 228 and the fifth wall 232 can be substantially parallel to the second wall 220. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the first wall 216 , the second wall 220 , the third wall 224 , the fourth wall 228 , the fifth wall 232 , the sixth wall 236 , the seventh wall 240 , and the eighth wall 244 may be coupled (eg, welded) together to surround the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144 .

[0025] In addition, the fluid box 144 is provided with an orifice 248 (e.g. Figure 3 ). The orifice 248 is defined on at least one wall of the fluid box 144. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown Figure 3As shown, the fluid box 144 includes four apertures, namely a first aperture 252, a second aperture 256, a third aperture 260, and a fourth aperture 264. The first aperture 252 may be defined at the first wall 216. The second aperture 256 may be defined at the second wall 220. The third aperture 260 and the fourth aperture 264 may be defined at the seventh wall 240 (or top wall 240).

[0026] The aperture 248 is configured to receive at least one of a manifold or a mounting member for fixedly mounting at least one of the manifold or the mounting member to the fluid tank 144 (discussed later). Figure 3 As shown, the first aperture 252, the second aperture 256, the third aperture 260, and the fourth aperture 264 are connected together to form a receptacle portion 268 at a corner 272 of the housing 208 (of the fluid box 144) where the first wall 216, the second wall 220, and the seventh wall 240 meet. In the present embodiment, the receiving portion 268 is formed at a position above the maximum fill level "H" of the fluid in the interior volume 212 of the fluid box 144. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of apertures 248 may be defined at any suitable location of the fluid box 144.

[0027] Now let's discuss the fluid filter 148. The fluid filter 148 can be disposed upstream of the fluid tank 144 relative to the flow of the fluid. The fluid filter 148 can be configured to remove contaminants (e.g., dirt, debris, etc.) from the fluid (discharged from the hydraulic device 140) before the fluid is returned to the fluid tank 144. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the fluid filter 148 may include a housing 276, a fluid inlet 280 and a fluid outlet 284 defined at the housing 276, and one or more filter elements (not shown) housed in the housing 276. The fluid inlet 280, the filter element (not shown), and the fluid outlet 284 are fluidically connected to each other. In an exemplary operation, the fluid to be filtered enters the fluid filter 148 from the fluid inlet 280, passes through the filter element to be filtered, and then leaves the fluid filter 148 via the fluid outlet 284.

[0028] During operation of the machine 100, fluid (stored within the fluid tank 144) is supplied to the hydraulic device 140 and returned from the hydraulic device 140 to the fluid tank 144. For example, in order to hydraulically actuate the first hydraulic cylinder 184 to correspondingly raise or lower the blade 172', fluid from the fluid tank 144 is supplied to one chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder 184, for example, via one of the first fluid line 196 and the second fluid line 204. At the same time, fluid present in another chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder 184 is discharged from the first hydraulic cylinder 184, for example, via the other of the first fluid line 196 and the second fluid line 204.

[0029] In order to return the fluid exhausted from the hydraulic device 140 (e.g., the first hydraulic cylinder 184) to the fluid tank 144, in one or more aspects of the present invention, a system 300 is provided on the machine 100. The system 300 receives the fluid exhausted from the hydraulic device 140, such as the fluid exhausted from one of the first fluid line 196 and the second fluid line 204 of the first hydraulic cylinder 184, and directs the fluid back to the fluid tank 144. The system 300 includes a manifold 304 and a mount 308, details of each of which will now be discussed.

[0030] Reference Figure 3-6 , the manifold 304 includes a hollow housing 312. As a non-limiting example, the hollow housing 312 may be implemented as a generally rectangular parallelepiped structure 312' defining a plurality of wall portions 310, namely a first wall portion 316, a second wall portion 320 (see Figure 4 ), a third wall portion 324, a fourth wall portion 328, a fifth wall portion 332, and a sixth wall portion 336. The first wall portion 316 and the fourth wall portion 328 may be substantially parallel to each other. The second wall portion 320 may extend from the first wall portion 316 at a certain angle, for example, substantially perpendicular to the first wall portion 316. The third wall portion 324 may extend from the first wall portion 316, for example, in a direction substantially perpendicular to each of the first wall portion 316 and the second wall portion 320. The fifth wall portion 332 may extend from the fourth wall portion 328, for example, in a direction substantially parallel to the second wall portion 320. The sixth wall portion may extend from the fourth wall portion 328, for example, in a direction substantially parallel to the third wall portion 324.

[0031] The first wall portion 316, the second wall portion 320, the third wall portion 324, the fourth wall portion 328, the fifth wall portion 332, and the sixth wall portion 336 can be coupled (e.g., welded) together to define and enclose the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304. Figure 4 As shown, the manifold 304 also defines a window 342 at the second wall portion 320 to facilitate fluid communication between the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304 and the external environment and / or components (e.g., the fluid filter 148 and the mounting member 308, discussed later). In this embodiment, the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304 is smaller than the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144.

[0032] The interior volume 340 is configured to receive a fluid flow returned from the hydraulic device 140. To receive the fluid flow returned from the hydraulic device 140, at least one inlet port 344 is defined on at least one wall portion 310 of the manifold 304. The at least one port 344 fluidly connects the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304 to a plurality of fluid lines (e.g., the first fluid line 196 or the second fluid line 204) that carry fluid exhausted from the hydraulic device 140. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, three inlet ports 344, namely a first inlet port 344', a second inlet port 344", and a third inlet port 344'', are defined at the first wall portion 316 of the manifold 304. In some embodiments, the three inlet ports 344 can be arranged on the same side of the manifold 304. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of the inlet ports 344 can be defined on any suitable wall portion 310 and / or side of the manifold 304 based on application requirements.

[0033] The manifold 304 is configured to be fixedly mounted to the fluid tank 144. The manifold 304 may be fixedly mounted to the fluid tank 144 such that the manifold 304 may be flush with (or recessed relative to) at least one wall of the fluid tank 144. Figure 3-6 As shown, the manifold 304 is received within the socket portion 268 of the fluid box 144 (defined by the first, second, third and fourth apertures 252, 256, 260, 264 connected together at the corner 272). Once received within the socket portion 268, the manifold 304 is connected to the fluid box 144 by, for example, a welded connection 352 (e.g., Figure 6 268) is fixedly coupled to the edge 348 of the socket portion 268. When installed in this configuration, the manifold 304 is located above the maximum fill level "H" of the fluid in the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144 (as shown). Figure 5 shown).

[0034] The mounting member 308 is implemented as a plate 356. The plate 356 (or mounting member 308) defines a first end surface 360 ​​and a second end surface 364 opposite to the first end surface 360 ​​(see Figure 5 ). The first end surface 360 ​​facilitates mounting the mounting member 308 to the fluid tank 144. The second end surface 364 is configured to attach the fluid filter 148 to the mounting member 308. In an exemplary coupling of the fluid filter 148 to the mounting member 308, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and 6 As shown, the filter mounting plate 368 defined at the housing 276 of the fluid filter 148 abuts against the second end surface 364 of the mounting member 308 and is secured, for example, by fasteners 370 (see Figure 5 ) is fastened to the second end surface 364.

[0035] The mounting member 308 defines a passage 372 that is configured to establish a fluid connection between the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304, the fluid filter 148, and the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144. Figure 3 and 6 As shown, the mounting member 308 defines two channels 372, namely a first channel 376 and a second channel 380. Each of the first channel 376 and the second channel 380 extends from the first end surface 360 ​​to the second end surface 364. When the fluid filter 148 is attached to the second end surface 364 of the mounting member 308, the first channel 376 and the second channel 380 can be coaxially aligned with the fluid inlet 280 and the fluid outlet 284 of the fluid filter 148, respectively.

[0036] The mounting member 308 is configured to be fixedly mounted to each of the fluid tank 144 and the manifold 304. When mounted to each of the fluid tank 144 and the manifold 304, the first end surface 360, together with the wall portion 310 of the manifold 304, surrounds the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304. Furthermore, in this configuration, the first channel 376 establishes a fluid-tight connection between the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304 and the fluid inlet 280 of the fluid filter 148 to conduct fluid therebetween. In one example, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the first passage 376 directs fluid from the interior volume 340 (of the manifold 304) to the fluid inlet 280 (eg, Figure 6 In addition, the second passages 380, 376 establish a fluid-tight connection between the fluid outlet 284 of the fluid filter 148 and the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144 to direct fluid therebetween. Figure 6 As shown, the second passage 380 directs fluid from the fluid outlet 284 of the fluid filter 148 to the inlet conduit 392 of the fluid tank 144 (see Figure 6 ), the inlet conduit 392 leads to the interior volume 212 of the fluid box 144 (such as Figure 6 via flow line "F2").

[0037] Industrial Applicability

[0038] Reference Figure 7 , an exemplary method of assembling a system 300 for returning fluid from a hydraulic device 140 to a fluid tank 144 is discussed. The method is discussed by way of a flowchart 700 showing exemplary steps associated with the method (i.e., from 704 to 708). Figure 1-6 Discuss the approach.

[0039] The method begins by fixedly mounting the manifold 304 to the fluid tank 144 at 704. The manifold 304 is at least partially located within the socket portion 268 of the fluid tank 144. In an exemplary method of positioning the manifold 304 within the socket portion 268, the manifold 304 is positioned within the first aperture 252 and moved in a direction toward the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144 such that the wall portion 310 of the manifold 304 fits (e.g., abuts) to a corresponding edge 348 of the socket portion 268. Once positioned within the socket portion 268, the wall portion 310 of the manifold 304 is secured to the manifold 304, for example, by welding the connection 352 (e.g., Figure 6 268) are fixedly coupled to their respective edges 348 of the socket portion 268. When installed in this configuration, the manifold 304 is located above the maximum fill level "H" of the fluid in the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144.

[0040] Furthermore, at 708, the mount 308 is fixedly mounted to each of the fluid tank 144 and the manifold 304. To this end, the mount 308 is at least partially positioned within the socket portion 268 of the fluid tank 144. In an exemplary method of positioning the mount 308 within the socket portion 268, the mount 308 is positioned in the second aperture 256 and moved into the fourth aperture 264 in a manner such that the first end surface 360 ​​(of the mount 308) matches (e.g., abuts) with the corresponding edge 348 of the socket portion 268. In this mounted configuration, a portion (of the first end surface 360) surrounding the first passage 376 covers the window 342 defined at the second wall portion 320 of the manifold 304. Furthermore, in the mounted configuration, the fourth wall portion 328 of the manifold 304 abuts the first end surface 360 ​​at the intermediate region 384 between the first passage 376 and the second passage 380. Next, the mounting member 308 is fixedly coupled (e.g., by a welded connection, not shown) to the corresponding edge 348 of the socket portion 268 and the portion 388 of the second wall portion 320 surrounding the window 342 of the manifold 304 (at Figure 4 ).

[0041] Once the manifold 304 and the mount 308 are fixedly mounted to the fluid tank 144, the fluid filter 148 may be attached to the second end surface 364 of the mount 308, such as by fasteners 370. In this configuration, the first passage 376 fluidly connects the interior volume 340 of the manifold 304 with the fluid inlet 280 of the fluid filter 148, and the second passage 380 fluidly connects the fluid outlet 284 of the fluid filter 148 with the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144.

[0042] In operation, fluid returning from the hydraulic device 140 is supplied, for example, via an inlet port 344 (eg, first fluid line 196, second fluid line 204, etc.) that is fluidly connected to a fluid line. Figure 6 376 is then directed through the mounting member 308 to the fluid inlet 280 of the fluid filter 148 (as shown via flow line "F1"). The fluid entering the fluid filter 148 via the fluid inlet 280 then passes through a filter element (not shown) and is discharged from the fluid filter 148 (as filtered fluid, free of any contaminants) via the fluid outlet 284. The (filtered) fluid exiting the fluid outlet 284 (of the fluid filter 148) is then directed through the mounting member 308 to the inlet conduit 392 via the second passage 380 and further into the interior volume 212 of the fluid tank 144 (as shown via flow line "F0"). Figure 6 via flow line "F2").

[0043] The system 300 can be applied to any work machine (e.g., the motor grader 100') provided with a hydraulic device (e.g., the hydraulic device 140) and a fluid tank (e.g., the fluid tank 144). The manifold 304 and the mounting member 308 of the system 300 are simple in structure and do not have any complex geometric features. Therefore, the manifold 304 and the mounting member 308 can be easily and quickly manufactured using a simple and low-cost manufacturing process. In addition, the use of the system 300 to return the fluid from the hydraulic device 140 to the fluid tank 144 can eliminate the need for multiple pipes (with different shapes and configurations) that are traditionally used to fluidly connect the manifold, the fluid filter, and the fluid tank. This can reduce and / or eliminate potential leak points between the manifold, the fluid filter, and the fluid tank.

[0044] Unless expressly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of a plurality of such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. In the context of describing the present invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms "one" and "an" and "the" and "at least one" or the term "one or more" and similar indicators should be interpreted as covering the singular and the plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of the term "at least one" after a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B" or "one or more of A and B") should be interpreted as meaning an item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Similarly, the word "or" used here refers to any possible arrangement of a group of items. For example, the phrase "A, B or C" means at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or any items such as A and multiples of A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C; etc.

[0045] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the systems, work machines and / or methods of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the specification and practice of the systems, work machines and / or methods disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered exemplary only, with the true scope of the present invention being indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for returning fluid from one or more hydraulic devices to a fluid tank of a work machine, the system comprising: a manifold configured to be fixedly mounted to the fluid tank and defining an interior volume for receiving a fluid flow returning from the one or more hydraulic devices; as well as A mounting member is configured to be fixedly mounted to each of the fluid tank and the manifold, the mounting member defining one or more passages configured to establish a fluid connection between an interior volume of the manifold, a fluid filter of the work machine, and an interior volume of the fluid tank.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mount defines a first end surface and a second end surface, the second end surface being defined opposite the first end surface and configured for attaching the fluid filter to the mount, the one or more channels comprising: a first passage extending from the first end surface to the second end surface and configured to direct the fluid from the interior volume of the manifold to a fluid inlet of the fluid filter; as well as A second passage extends from the first end surface to the second end surface and is configured to direct the fluid from the fluid outlet of the fluid filter to the interior volume of the fluid tank.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the manifold comprises a hollow housing defining a plurality of wall portions, and wherein the first end surface and the plurality of wall portions surround the interior volume of the manifold.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid tank defines a plurality of walls surrounding the interior volume of the fluid tank, and the fluid tank includes one or more apertures defined in at least one of the plurality of walls, the one or more apertures being configured to receive at least one of the manifold or the mount for fixedly mounting the manifold or at least one of the mount to the fluid tank.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of walls comprises a first wall and a second wall extending at an angle from the first wall, the one or more apertures comprising: a first aperture defined in the first wall and configured to receive the manifold; as well as a second aperture defined in the second wall and configured to receive the mounting member, Wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are connected to each other to define a socket portion on the fluid tank. 6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the manifold is mounted to the fluid tank at a position above a maximum fill level of fluid in the interior volume of the fluid tank.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the manifold is fixedly mounted to the fluid tank using a welded connection.

8. A working machine comprising: a fluid tank defining an interior volume; as well as A system for returning fluid from one or more hydraulic devices of the work machine to the fluid tank, the system comprising: a manifold configured to be fixedly mounted to the fluid tank and defining an interior volume for receiving a fluid flow returning from the one or more hydraulic devices; as well as A mounting member is configured to be fixedly mounted to each of the fluid tank and the manifold, the mounting member defining one or more passages configured to establish a fluid connection between an interior volume of the manifold, a fluid filter of the work machine, and an interior volume of the fluid tank.

9. The work machine of claim 8, wherein the mount defines a first end surface and a second end surface, the second end surface being defined opposite the first end surface and configured for attaching the fluid filter to the mount, the one or more passages comprising: a first passage extending from the first end surface to the second end surface and configured to direct the fluid from the interior volume of the manifold to a fluid inlet of the fluid filter; as well as A second passage extends from the first end surface to the second end surface and is configured to direct the fluid from the fluid outlet of the fluid filter to an interior volume of the fluid tank.

10. The work machine of claim 9, wherein the manifold includes a hollow housing defining a plurality of wall portions, and wherein the first end surface and the plurality of wall portions surround an interior volume of the manifold.

11. The work machine of claim 8, wherein the fluid tank defines a plurality of walls surrounding an interior volume of the fluid tank, and the fluid tank includes one or more apertures defined on at least one of the plurality of walls, the one or more apertures being configured to receive at least one of the manifold or the mount for fixedly mounting the at least one of the manifold or the mount to the fluid tank.

12. The work machine of claim 11, wherein the plurality of walls comprises a first wall and a second wall extending at an angle from the first wall, the one or more apertures comprising: a first aperture defined in the first wall and configured to receive the manifold; as well as a second aperture defined in the second wall and configured to receive the mounting member, Wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are connected to each other to define a socket portion on the fluid tank.

13. The work machine of claim 8, wherein the manifold is mounted to the fluid tank at a position above a maximum fill level of the fluid in the internal volume of the fluid tank.

14. The work machine of claim 8, wherein the manifold is fixedly mounted to the fluid tank using a welded connection.

15. A method of assembling a system for returning fluid from one or more hydraulic devices to a fluid tank of a work machine, the method comprising: fixedly mounting a manifold to the fluid tank, the manifold defining an interior volume for receiving a return fluid flow from the one or more hydraulic devices; as well as A mount is fixedly mounted to the fluid tank and the manifold, the mount defining one or more passages configured to establish a fluid connection between an interior volume of the manifold, a fluid filter of the work machine, and an interior volume of the fluid tank.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the mount defines a first end surface and a second end surface, the second end surface being defined opposite the first end surface and configured for attaching the fluid filter to the mount, the one or more passages comprising: a first passage extending from the first end surface to the second end surface and configured to direct the fluid from the interior volume of the manifold to a fluid inlet of the fluid filter; as well as A second passage extends from the first end surface to the second end surface and is configured to direct the fluid from the fluid outlet of the fluid filter to an interior volume of the fluid tank.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the fluid tank defines a plurality of walls surrounding an interior volume of the fluid tank, and the fluid tank includes one or more apertures defined on at least one of the plurality of walls, the one or more apertures being configured to receive at least one of the manifold or the mount for fixedly mounting the manifold or at least one of the mount to the fluid tank.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of walls comprises a first wall and a second wall extending at an angle from the first wall, the one or more apertures comprising: a first aperture defined in the first wall and configured to receive the manifold; as well as a second aperture defined in the second wall and configured to receive the mounting member, Wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are connected to each other to define a socket portion on the fluid tank.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein fixedly mounting the manifold to the fluid tank comprises: positioning the manifold into the first aperture; as well as Attach the manifold to the edge of the socket section using a solder connection.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein fixedly mounting the mount to each of the fluid tank and the manifold comprises: positioning the mounting member into the second aperture; as well as The mounting piece is connected to an edge of the socket portion and a portion of the manifold using a welded connection.

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