Wheel motor pivot with improved cover

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a frame (100), the bottom (110) of which defines a surface for connection to a bracket, the pivot axis (Z-Z) being in a pivot plane (Y-Y), and a cover (300), the arm (120) comprising a plurality of housings (140), the cover (300) comprising a plurality of holes (340), the plurality of holes (340) together with the threaded hole (120) defining two channel assemblies, the invention relates to a cover (300) comprising a frame (100) and two housing assemblies (300) defining a first position and a second position of the cover (300) with respect to the frame (100), the cover (300) comprising a hydraulic line (310) opening in a direction (V-V) inclined with respect to a pivot axis (Z-Z) such that, in the first position and the second position of the cover (300) with respect to the frame (100), the hydraulic line (310) is inclined at an angle greater than 10 DEG with respect to a pivot plane (Z-Z).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pivot shafts for hydraulic machines, in particular pivot shafts for driving steering members. Background Art

[0002] Hydraulic machine assemblies for driving steering members, such as steering wheels, pose various problems, in particular with regard to integration and space requirements.

[0003] Among the recurring problems, mention can be made of those related to the integration of the various pipes between the chassis and the rotary joint formed in the pivot shaft.

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

[0005] The present invention thus relates to an assembly comprising a frame and a cover, The frame comprises a bottom and two arms, the bottom being adapted to be assembled on the bracket, the two arms each having a through slot aligned along a pivot axis to define a housing adapted to receive a hydraulic machine, the bottom defining a surface for connection to the bracket, the pivot axis being situated in a pivot plane perpendicular to the connection surface, the cover being assembled on the arms of the frame, the cover, The arm includes a plurality of housings, The cover includes a plurality of apertures which together with the housing define two channel assemblies adapted to receive the fixing element, the two housing assemblies defining a first position and a second position of the cover relative to the frame, The cover comprises at least one hydraulic line opening in a direction inclined relative to the pivot axis, the assembly being configured such that in a first position and a second position of the cover relative to the frame, the at least one hydraulic line is inclined at an angle greater than 10° relative to the pivot plane.

[0006] According to one example, the arm comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first indicator and the second indicator being configured such that only the first indicator is visible when the cover is in the first position and only the second indicator is visible when the cover is in the second position. The indicator is typically a visual element engraved on the frame.

[0007] According to one example, the assembly is configured such that in the first and second positions of the cover relative to the frame, the at least one line is inclined at an angle comprised between 10° and 30° relative to the pivot plane.

[0008] According to one example, the assembly is configured such that in the first and second positions of the cover relative to the frame, the at least one line is inclined at an angle comprised between 10° and 20° relative to the pivot plane.

[0009] According to one example, the first position and the second position of the cover relative to the frame are symmetrical relative to the pivot plane.

[0010] According to one example, the arm comprises a plurality of housings, the number of housings being at least 30% greater than the number of holes in the cover, or typically at least 50% greater than the number of holes in the cover.

[0011] According to one example, the at least one hydraulic line opens in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0012] According to one example, the assembly comprises a hydraulic machine, for example a radial piston hydraulic machine, rotatably mounted relative to the frame along a pivot axis, the hydraulic machine having a first component and a second component rotatably movable relative to each other in an axial direction.

[0013] The axial direction is generally perpendicular to the pivot axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description given below of various embodiments of the invention, given as non-limiting examples.

[0015] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a general view of an exemplary assembly including a hydraulic machine rotatably mounted on a frame.

[0016] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Another view of such an assembly is presented.

[0017] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 A diagram of an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Another view of an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 Another view of an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Throughout the drawings, common elements are identified by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The figure presents a frame 100 forming a support for a hydraulic machine 200 .

[0022] The hydraulic machine 200 is typically a radial piston hydraulic machine or an axial piston hydraulic machine and has a first component and a second component rotatable relative to each other in an axial direction XX, which typically corresponds to the axis of a shaft of the hydraulic machine 200 .

[0023] For example, the hydraulic machine 200 is coupled to a component such as a wheel, a rim, or any other component that ensures the movement of a vehicle or a watercraft.

[0024] The frame 100 forms a support defining a pivot axis ZZ between the hydraulic machine 200 and the frame 100. The frame 100 is usually assembled on a chassis; therefore, the pivot axis ZZ makes it possible to define the orientation of the components driven in rotation by the hydraulic machine 200. The arms 120 and 130 each have a through hole defining the pivot axis ZZ.

[0025] The pivot axis ZZ is generally perpendicular to the axial direction XX of the hydraulic machine 200 or inclined at an angle comprised between 60° and 90° relative to the axial direction XX of the hydraulic machine 200. The frame 100 and the hydraulic machine 200 generally form a rotary joint, ensuring the continuity of the hydraulic lines between the hydraulic machine 200 and the frame 100.

[0026] The presented frame 100 includes a base 110 and two arms 120 and 130 extending from the base 110 .

[0027] The illustrated base 110 has a generally flat plate shape 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 adapted for attachment to a frame or chassis. It should be understood that the outer surface 116 more generally represents the portion of the base 110 that is opposite the inner surface 112 and adapted for attachment to a frame or chassis. The outer surface 116 is considered to be planar, but this is not intended to be limiting.

[0028] A pivot plane is defined for the frame, identified by axis YY in the figure. This pivot plane is perpendicular to pivot axis ZZ and to the inner surface 112 of base 110. More generally, pivot plane YY forms the central axis of the connection between frame 100 and the stand or chassis. In the event that the outer surface 116 of base 110 is not flat, pivot plane YY can be defined perpendicular to pivot axis ZZ and to the intermediate connection plane between frame 110 and the stand.

[0029] Such a frame 100 is often referred to by the common name as a C-frame.

[0030] The cover 300 is positioned on one of the arms 120 and 130 .

[0031] In the example shown, the cover 300 is located above the arm 120. It should be understood that this example is not limiting and can be converted to a situation where the cover 300 is located above the arm 130.

[0032] The cover 300 forms the upper end of a revolving joint formed in the pivot between the hydraulic machine 200 and the frame 100. Thus, the cover forms one end of the pivot connection between the hydraulic machine 200 and the frame 100.

[0033] The cover 300 is assembled on the outer surface of one of the arms, here the arm 120 of the frame 100. Therefore, the cover 300 has a plurality of through holes 340 suitable for allowing the passage of fixing elements (such as screws or bolts). In the example shown, the cover 300 has six holes 340 distributed in pairs. These holes 340 are respectively designated by the reference numerals 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, and 346.

[0034] The arm 120 of the frame 100 has a generally conical housing 140 adapted to receive a fixing element, thus allowing the cover 300 to be assembled on the arm 120. The housing 140 is Figure 3 These housings 140 are indicated by reference numerals 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 and 149, respectively.

[0035] The arm 120 has a plurality of housings 140, the number of housings 140 being greater than the number of holes 320 in the cover 300. In the example shown, the cover 300 has six holes 320, while the arm 120 has nine housings 140. More generally, the arm 120 has at least 30% more housings 140 than the number of holes 320 in the cover 300, or at least 50% more than the number of holes 320 in the cover 300.

[0036] The number of housings 140 is greater than the number of holes 320 , so that two configurations and therefore two relative positions of the cover 300 with respect to the arm 120 can be determined.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the holes 320 are provided in pairs in the cover 300. The housings 140 are provided in groups of three.

[0038] Thus, the holes 340 are grouped into pairs: 341 and 342, 343 and 344, 345 and 346. Thus, the housing 140 is divided into the following three groups: 141, 142 and 143, 144, 145 and 146, 147, 148 and 149. It should be understood that these groupings are given for illustrative purposes and are not limiting.

[0039] The hole 340 and the housing 140 are configured to define two relative positions of the cover 300 relative to the frame 100, such that in each position, each hole 340 of the cover 300 faces the housing 140 of the arm 120 of the frame 100, so that the fixing element can be inserted into each housing 140 through the hole 340 of the cover 300.

[0040] A first position is thus defined, wherein: - hole 341 is aligned with housing 141, - hole 342 is aligned with housing 142, - hole 343 is aligned with housing 144, - hole 344 is aligned with housing 145, - hole 345 is aligned with housing 147, and - Hole 346 is aligned with housing 148 .

[0041] The first position is Figure 4 shown.

[0042] A second position is also defined, wherein: - hole 341 is aligned with housing 142, - hole 342 is aligned with housing 143, - hole 343 is aligned with housing 145, - hole 344 is aligned with housing 146, - hole 345 is aligned with housing 148, and - Hole 346 is aligned with housing 149 .

[0043] The second position is Figure 5 shown.

[0044] In the configuration shown, arm 120 has 50% more housings 140 than holes 320 in cover 300, which allows one housing in each set of three to be used in both positions, while the other two housings in each set of three can only be used in either position.

[0045] It will be understood that other configurations are also possible, in particular having twice as many housings 140 as holes 340 , which makes it possible, for example, to define two different positions, with each housing 140 being dedicated to a single position.

[0046] The frame 100 typically has an indicator 330, such as a visual reference or poka-yoke, adapted to provide a visual indication to the user to assemble the cover 300 in the first position or the second position of the frame 100. The indicator 330 is typically a visual reference engraved on the frame 100.

[0047] In the example shown, the frame 100 has two indicators 330, where the letters L and R refer to left and right, respectively. These indicators 330 are positioned so that when the cover 300 is in the first position, only one of these indicators 330 is visible, and when the cover 300 is in the second position, only the other of these indicators 330 is visible.

[0048] Therefore, a user who installs the cover 300 on the frame 100 can directly ensure the correct positioning of the cover 300 .

[0049] The cover 300 includes one or more hydraulic lines 310 so that hydraulic lines or connectors can be secured to the frame or to a bracket to which the frame 100 is secured.

[0050] The hydraulic lines 310 typically open along a line perpendicular to the pivot axis ZZ, or form an angle between 60° and 90° relative to the pivot axis ZZ. More generally, a line plane VV is defined that passes through the pivot axis ZZ, such that each of the different hydraulic lines 310 opens along a direction parallel to the line plane VV. If the cover 300 includes several hydraulic lines 310, the line plane VV may, for example, form a plane of symmetry with respect to the different lines, or form a mid-plane with respect to the different lines.

[0051] The first position and the second position are configured such that in each of these positions the pipeline plane VV forms a non-zero angle α with respect to the pivot plane YY. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Pipeline planes V1 - V1 and V2 - V2 corresponding to the first and second positions, respectively, and corresponding angles A1 and A2 are presented.

[0052] The angle between the pipeline plane and the pivot plane is typically greater than 10°, or typically comprised between 10° and 30°, or for example comprised between 10° and 20°, or for example equal to or substantially equal to 15°.

[0053] In the example shown in the figures, the first position and the second position are symmetrical with respect to the pivot plane YY; therefore, the absolute values of the angles A1 and A2 are equal.

[0054] This configuration facilitates the connection of electrical cables and hydraulic accessories to the hydraulic lines 310 of the cover 300. In practice, such lines are generally rigid, but the usual structure presents a unique positioning in which the hydraulic lines 310 are aligned with the pivot plane YY and therefore open directly towards the chassis or the bracket, which complicates assembly and maintenance operations.

[0055] The proposed structure allows the use of a single element that can be adapted to both configurations, thus facilitating assembly handling.

[0056] 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, individual features of the various illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in further embodiments. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0057] It is also obvious that all features described with reference to a method can be implemented individually or in combination as an apparatus, and conversely all features described with reference to an apparatus can be implemented individually or in combination as a method.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a frame (100) and a cover (300), The frame (100) comprises a base (110) and two arms (120, 130), the base (110) being adapted to be assembled on a bracket, the two arms (120, 130) each having a through slot (124, 134) aligned along a pivot axis (ZZ) to define a housing adapted to receive a hydraulic machine (200), the base (110) defining a surface for connection to the bracket, the pivot axis (ZZ) being located in a pivot plane (YY) perpendicular to the connection surface, The cover (300) is assembled on the arm (120) of the frame (100), The arm (120) includes a plurality of housings (140), The cover (300) includes a plurality of holes (340), the plurality of holes (340) together with the housing (140) defining two channel assemblies adapted to receive a fixing element, the two housing assemblies defining a first position and a second position of the cover (300) relative to the frame (100), The cover (300) comprises at least one hydraulic line (310) opening along a direction (VV) inclined relative to the pivot axis (ZZ), The assembly is configured such that in the first and second positions of the cover (300) relative to the frame (100), the at least one hydraulic line (310) is inclined at an angle greater than 10° relative to the pivot plane (ZZ).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein The arm (120) includes a first indicator (330) and a second indicator (330), wherein the first indicator and the second indicator (330) are configured such that only the first indicator (330) is visible when the cover (300) is in the first position and only the second indicator (330) is visible when the cover (300) is in the second position.

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, being configured such that in the first position and the second position of the cover (300) relative to the frame (100), the at least one pipeline (310) is inclined at an angle comprised between 10° and 30° relative to the pivot plane (YY).

4. The assembly according to claim 3 is configured such that in the first position and the second position of the cover (300) relative to the frame (100), the at least one pipeline (310) is inclined at an angle comprised between 10° and 20° relative to the pivot plane.

5. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first position and the second position of the cover (300) relative to the frame (100) are symmetrical relative to the pivot plane (YY).

6. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The arm includes a plurality of housings (140) at least 30% greater in number than the number of holes (340) in the cover (300).

7. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The at least one hydraulic line (310) opens in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis (ZZ).

8. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a hydraulic machine (200) rotatably mounted relative to the frame (100) along the pivot axis (ZZ), the hydraulic machine (200) having a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component being rotationally movable relative to each other along an axial direction (XX).

9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein Said axial direction (XX) is perpendicular to said pivot axis (ZZ).

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