Guard ring and guard ring assembly for a machine fluid system

Abstract

A retaining ring (44) includes a skirt (46) at least partially made of a skirt material (60). The retaining ring also includes a support frame (68) attached to the skirt and at least partially made of a second material (71) more resistant to deformation than the skirt material. The retaining ring also includes a plurality of bolt holes (72) formed in the support frame and at least partially formed of the second material. Forming the bolt holes at least partially of the second material provides the support frame with greater resistance to permanent deformation near the bolt holes and reduces changes in bolt loads on the retaining ring over time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a fluid system in a machine, and more specifically, to a retaining ring and retaining ring assembly for an engine aftertreatment system. Background Technology

[0002] Numerous fluid systems are used in machines, ranging from fuel systems to lubrication systems, temperature control systems, and many other systems. One known fluid system for controlling emissions from certain internal combustion engines is coupled to the machine's exhaust system and delivers a reducing agent for the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. In a typical system, the fluid reducing agent (often referred to as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) or similar terms) comprises an aqueous solution of urea, which is injected into the internal combustion engine exhaust stream upstream of the catalytic reduction module. The injected DEF produces ammonia, which reacts via a well-known pathway in the presence of a catalyst to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, producing nitrogen and water.

[0003] Various reducing agent delivery systems are known and used in many different machine applications, particularly in motor vehicles such as off-highway machinery and highway trucks. The machine carries a reservoir for storing a reducing agent (typically DEF as described above), which is delivered to the engine exhaust system in a prescribed amount. The reservoir in this general type of reducing agent delivery system typically requires periodic replenishment of DEF, and daily replenishment is not uncommon, depending on the machine's operating mode and intensity. A known diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment system is described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 103958, filed January 21, 2023, by Bodedda et al. Given the evolving technical and commercial challenges, there remains room for improvement, and alternative strategies may also be developed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a fluid system for a machine includes: a tank; a manifold; a sleeve filter; and a retaining ring connected to the sleeve filter. The retaining ring includes a skirt portion at least partially made of a first material and a flange portion at least partially made of a second material, wherein the second material is less compressible than the first material. The retaining ring also includes a plurality of bolt holes formed within the flange portion, the bolt holes being at least partially formed of the second material.

[0005] In another aspect, a retainer assembly for an engine aftertreatment system includes: a sleeve filter; and a retainer connected to the sleeve filter. The retainer includes a skirt made of a first material, a support frame attached to the skirt and made of a second material, and a plurality of bolt holes formed in the support frame.

[0006] In another aspect, a retaining ring includes: a skirt portion at least partially made of a skirt material; and a support frame at least partially made of a second material more resistant to deformation than the skirt material. The retaining ring also includes a plurality of bolt holes formed in the support frame and at least partially formed of the second material. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It is a side schematic view of a machine according to one implementation scheme;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic view of a retaining ring assembly for a fluid system according to one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the retaining ring assembly;

[0010] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the retaining ring according to an implementation scheme;

[0011] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of a part of the retaining ring;

[0012] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of part of the retaining ring;

[0013] Figure 7 This is a side view of the retaining ring;

[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the retaining ring;

[0015] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the retaining ring according to another implementation scheme;

[0016] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the retaining ring based on yet another implementation scheme;

[0017] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the retaining ring based on yet another implementation scheme. Detailed Implementation

[0018] See Figure 1The diagram illustrates a machine 12 according to one embodiment, comprising a frame 14 and a cab 16 supported on the frame 14. The machine 12 includes a plurality of ground contact elements 18, which are ground contact wheels in the illustrated case. The machine 12 also includes an internal combustion engine 20, such as a compression-ignition diesel engine, coupled to an exhaust system 28. A temperature control system 22 is provided, including a radiator 24 mounted at the front end of the frame 14. The machine 12 is illustrated in the context of a mining truck; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various on-road or off-road machines 12 (including trucks, tractors, excavators, backhoe excavators, and many other machines) can benefit from the application of this disclosure. The machine 12 is also not limited to mobile machinery applications and can be a stationary machinery application, such as a generator set, compressor, pump, or other machine.

[0019] Machine 12 also includes a fluid system 26 coupled to exhaust system 28 and also coupled to temperature control system 22. Fluid system 26 may include a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system configured to provide a liquid reducing agent to exhaust system 28, delivered in a well-known manner via DEF inlet valve or injector 30. This specification is not intended to limit to a particular type of fluid reducing agent, nor is it intended to be limited to DEF systems. Fluid system 26 also includes tanks 32 configured to store DEF. Fluid conduits (without reference numerals) extend between tanks 32 for conveying temperature-controlled fluids, such as engine coolant, between tanks 32 and radiator 24 or other components of temperature control system 22. Separate fluid connections may extend between tanks 32 and DEF injector 30.

[0020] Now also referencing Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fluid system 26 may also include a plurality of manifold assemblies 34, which are at least partially located within the tank 32. Hereinafter, each manifold assembly 34 may be referred to in the singular. Each manifold assembly 34 includes pipe assemblies 36 and plugs 38 (such as electrical plugs) for establishing data and electrical communication between the manifold assembly 34 and the onboard electrical system in the machine 12. It should be understood that the composition and arrangement of the pipe assemblies 36 may differ significantly from those disclosed and illustrated. In other cases, a different number of pipes, different pipe shapes, or different functional purposes may be employed than those described. The manifold assembly 34 also includes a manifold fitting and a plurality of fluid connectors 40 mounted to the manifold fitting 41.

[0021] Manifold assembly 34 also includes a sleeve or sleeve filter 42 that encloses manifold assembly 36. Various sleeve filters are known and commercially available. The sleeve filter 42 has a flexible form generally similar to a sleeve or bag and can be fitted over one end of manifold assembly 36 and secured near or at the other end of manifold assembly 36 to filter out debris and particulate matter in DEF before delivery of DEF stored in tank 32 to DEF injector 30. It has been observed in some early systems that the filter may become impermeable when immersed in or exposed to the application fluid, creating an airtight barrier between the reservoir 32 cavity outside the sleeve filter 40 and the filter's internal cavity, leading to air trapping, bubble formation, and fuel "gas production". Fluid system 26 may also include a retainer ring 44 and a retainer ring assembly (with retainer ring 44 and sleeve filter 42) located between manifold assembly 34 and manifold assembly 36. The sleeve filter 42 may be attached directly to retainer ring 44, such as by stitching or any other suitable connection strategy. Multiple bolts can be used to fasten the retaining ring 44 between the manifold assembly 34 and the manifold 41. Typically, these bolts are each installed to apply a bolting load so that the retaining ring is clamped between the manifold assembly 34 and the manifold 41 in a compressed state.

[0022] Now also referencing Figure 4 The retaining ring 44 may include a one-piece body (generally also shown by reference numeral 44) formed, for example by injection molding or compression molding, or using parts produced by alternative molding and / or forming techniques. The one-piece body may include two or more irreversibly connected parts and is formed of suitable materials discussed further herein. Multi-piece overmolding or co-injection molding may be employed. In other embodiments, the retaining ring 44 may be formed independently of the molding process by attaching together multiple separate components. The retaining ring 44 may include a skirt portion 46 comprising a first component 48 defining a skirt axis 50. Hereinafter, the terms "skirt" and "skirt portion" are sometimes used interchangeably. The skirt 46 may include a skirt outer surface 52 and a skirt inner surface 54 located radially outward of the skirt axis 50, thereby forming an opening 56; and a skirt outer peripheral surface 58. The skirt 46 may be made of a first material or "skirt material 60". The first material may include rubber or rubber-like materials (such as natural rubber or any suitable synthetic rubber) or materials that otherwise exhibit well-known rubber-like properties (resilience, elasticity, hardness, compressibility, chemical resistance, etc.).

[0023] The retaining ring 44 may also include a plurality of vents 62 formed in the skirt 46, the plurality of vents being configured to penetrate the inner surface 54 and the outer surface 52 of the skirt. Each of the plurality of vents 62 may include a plurality of perforations, for example formed in a metal mesh, to facilitate ventilation. It should be understood that the number and / or arrangement of the vents 62 in this disclosure may vary depending on ventilation requirements. For example, in some cases, vents 62 may not be required, or ventilation requirements may be met by a single vent. In other examples, a limited number (at least two) of vents 62 may be present.

[0024] The retaining ring 44 also includes a flange 64 comprising a second component 66 attached to the first component 48. The flange 64 may include a support frame 68 irreversibly attached to the skirt 46 via interlocking mechanical and adhesive attachments, as discussed further later. The support frame 68 may be annular and includes a peripheral surface 70 extending about the skirt axis 50. The flange 64 is designed to establish a rigid connection between the manifold 41, the retaining ring 44, and the manifold assembly 34, and includes material properties that help maintain bolted loads over time, as discussed further herein.

[0025] Therefore, the support frame 68 may be at least partially made of a second material or support frame material 71, which has a lower compressibility than the skirt material 60. Examples of the second material may include suitable plastics, metals, composites, and various other non-rubber materials that are more rigid, stiffer, and more resistant to compression and / or other forms of deformation than the skirt material 60. This disclosure considers variations in the composition of the retaining ring 44 material. For example, the retaining ring 44 may be made uniformly of the second material, provided that it maintains its ability to provide a rigid connection, thereby maintaining the bolted load as described above. It is also understood that the second material has a relatively higher resistance to permanent deformation than the first material in response to bolted loads. In other words, when the support frame 68 is bolted in place for use, the second material forming the support frame 68 may be less susceptible to plastic deformation over time in response to bolted loads, and thus less likely to “permanently deform,” as discussed further herein, compared to the skirt material 60.

[0026] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The retaining ring 44 also includes a plurality of bolt holes 72 formed within the support frame 68. Each bolt hole 72 defines a bolt axis 74 oriented parallel to the skirt axis 50 and includes a bolt hole inner surface 76 extending around each bolt axis 74. The plurality of bolt holes 72 may be arranged in a ring within the support frame 68 and may be formed at least partially of a second material. Thus, in some embodiments, the bolt inner surface 76 may also be formed partially of the skirt material 60 and partially of the second material. In one improvement, a small portion of each respective bolt inner surface 76 is formed of the skirt material 60, while the majority of each respective bolt inner surface 76 is formed of the second material. In yet another embodiment, the bolt inner surface 76 may be formed entirely of the second material. The terms “first material” or “skirt material” and “second material” or “support frame material” as used in the context of this disclosure are not strictly defined; rather, they are used to distinguish between the material used for the skirt portion 46 and the material used for the flange portion 64.

[0027] The retaining ring 44 also includes a plurality of notches 78 formed within the flange portion 64. The number and arrangement of the notches 78 correspond to the number of bolt holes 72, and the position of each notch 78 is aligned with and partially defines the corresponding bolt hole 72. Various configurations of the notches 78 are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the notch 78 may be formed entirely within the flange portion 64. In another example, the notch 78 may be partially formed in the skirt portion 46 and partially formed within the flange portion 64. In any case, the notch 78 may be at least partially formed of the same material as the flange portion 64.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 As suggested above, the support frame 68 and the skirt 46 are attached by a mortise and tenon joint 80. For this purpose, the skirt 46 also includes an annular protrusion 82 that forms a mating groove 84. The mating groove 84 may be located on the outer surface 58 of the skirt and extend annularly around the skirt portion 46. The support frame 68 includes a tenon 86 that extends along the outer surface 70 of the support frame and is designed to engage complementaryly with the mating groove 84. The retaining ring 44 may also include an adhesive attachment 88 for reinforcing the mortise and tenon joint 80. In other embodiments, the mortise and tenon joint may be reversed, with the groove formed in the support frame 68 and the tenon formed by the skirt 46. The connection between the corresponding parts may be irreversible. "Irreversible" means that the connection cannot be reversed without causing deformation or damage to the connected parts. When the tenon 86 is located within the mating groove 84, the adhesive attachment 88 can be inserted between the mating surfaces of the skirt 46 and the support frame 68.

[0029] Before molding the support frame 68 and the skirt 46 together, a suitable adhesive can be applied to the surface of the support frame 68 to which the skirt 46 will be attached. In one embodiment, the support frame 68 is first manufactured, then coated with adhesive, and placed in an injection mold. Material for forming the skirt can then be injected, and the composite part is removed once molding is complete. Other strategies and methods for attaching the support frame 68 and the skirt 46 may include mechanical fasteners, simultaneous co-molding of two parts, additive manufacturing, or other strategies and methods.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a retaining ring 144 according to another embodiment. Retaining ring 144 can be constructed in many ways similar to or the same as retaining ring 44 discussed above, and it should be understood that the foregoing description of retaining ring 144 applies to retaining ring 144 unless otherwise indicated or apparent from the context. Retaining ring 144 may include a plurality of skirt extensions 145 radially spaced around a skirt axis 156. Unlike retaining ring 44, retaining ring 144 includes a bolt hole 172 within each extension 145. Extensions 145 may be formed of skirt material 160, provided that when installed for use, bolt loads are borne by the material surrounding the bolt hole 172, rather than by the material actually forming the bolt hole 172. The material surrounding the bolt hole 172 may be similar to the second material or support material discussed above, while the skirt material 160 may be similar to the first material or skirt material discussed above.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 10 Another retaining ring 244 according to another embodiment is shown. Retaining ring 244 can also be constructed in a manner similar to retaining ring 144, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the foregoing description of retaining ring 44 applies to retaining ring 244. Within the context of this embodiment, skirt 246 can be uniformly formed of skirt material 260, and support frame 268 can be uniformly formed of support frame material. Bolt holes (without reference numerals) in support frame 268 can be formed entirely of support frame material.

[0032] Now for reference Figure 11 This illustrates yet another retaining ring 344 according to another embodiment. Retaining ring 344 can also be constructed similarly to retaining ring 44 discussed above, in a manner similar to retaining rings 144 and 244, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the foregoing description of retaining ring 344 applies to retaining ring 44. Unlike retaining ring 44, retaining ring 344 can be made of skirt material 360, but includes a plurality of inserts 361 formed of a second material and forming a plurality of bolt holes.

[0033] Industrial applicability

[0034] As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, the retaining ring according to this disclosure can be field-installed in an engine aftertreatment system. A service technician can receive a suitable retaining ring or retaining ring assembly (with a retaining ring and sleeve) sold as aftermarket parts and replace the used parts with the new retaining ring and / or retaining ring assembly. The fluid system can then be inspected, reassembled, and put back into service. In other cases, this disclosure can be implemented using the retaining ring and / or retaining ring assembly according to this disclosure, sold as original equipment parts for use in fluid systems or machines, to enable initial field installation for commissioning.

[0035] As described above, the material forming the portion of the retaining ring according to this disclosure (including the bolt holes or the area around the bolt holes) can have relatively higher rigidity, higher hardness, and relatively greater resistance to permanent deformation than the materials forming other portions of the retaining ring. It has been observed that materials with relatively low rigidity may undergo "permanent deformation" under bolted loads when the retaining ring flange is bolted in place for a period of time. This phenomenon can be understood as the flange being compressed under load and eventually undergoing plastic deformation, becoming flatter than its initial state. Therefore, reduced material elasticity may lead to bolt loosening, potentially posing a risk of fluid system damage or performance degradation. According to this disclosure, such problems can be addressed by using a more rigid, possibly harder, and relatively more resistant to permanent deformation material in response to a given bolted load.

[0036] This specification is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the currently disclosed embodiments without departing from the full and reasonable scope and spirit of this disclosure. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from a study of the accompanying drawings and claims. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” The term “an” or similar language is used where only one item is intended. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “having” is intended to be an open-ended term. Additionally, unless expressly stated otherwise, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on.”

Claims

1. A fluid system (26) for a machine (12), said fluid system comprising: Storage tank (32); Manifold fittings (41, 141); Sleeve filter (42); and A retaining ring (44, 144, 244, 344), the retaining ring being connected to the sleeve filter, the retaining ring comprising a skirt portion (46) at least partially made of a first material (60, 160, 260, 360) and a flange portion (64) at least partially made of a second material (71), the second material being less compressible than the first material; and Multiple bolt holes (72, 172) are formed within the flange portion, and the multiple bolt holes are at least partially formed of the second material.

2. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the skirt portion includes a first component (48) and the flange portion includes a second component (66), the second component being irreversibly attached to the first component, and the second material comprising a non-rubber material, while the first material comprises rubber or rubber-like material.

3. The fluid system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bolt holes are arranged in a ring in the flange portion, and the skirt portion further includes at least two vents (62).

4. The fluid system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the fluid system further comprising a plurality of notches (78) formed partially within the skirt portion and partially within the flange portion, and the plurality of notches forming the plurality of bolt holes.

5. A retainer ring assembly for an engine (20) aftertreatment system, the retainer ring assembly comprising: Sleeve filter (42); A retaining ring (44, 144, 244, 344), connected to the sleeve filter, the retaining ring comprising a skirt portion (46) made of a first material (60, 160, 260, 360) and a support frame (68, 268) made at least partially of a second material (71) and attached to the skirt portion; and Multiple bolt holes (72, 172) are formed in the support frame.

6. The retaining ring assembly according to claim 5, wherein the skirt portion is irreversibly attached to the support frame by a tenon joint connector (80).

7. The retaining ring assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of bolt holes are partially formed of the second material, and the second material comprises a non-rubber material, while the first material comprises a rubber or rubber-like material.

8. The retaining ring assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the retaining ring assembly further comprising a plurality of recesses (78) partially formed in the skirt portion and partially formed in the support frame, the plurality of recesses forming the plurality of bolt holes and further comprising at least two vents (62) formed in the skirt portion.

9. A retaining ring (44, 144, 244, 344), said retaining ring comprising: The skirt hem (46) is at least partially made of skirt hem material (60, 160, 260, 360); The support frame (68, 268) is at least partially made of a second material (71) and attached to the skirt portion, the second material being more resistant to deformation than the skirt material; and Multiple bolt holes (72, 172) are formed in the support frame and are at least partially formed of the second material.

10. The retaining ring according to claim 9, wherein the support frame has an annular shape, and the bolt holes are arranged annularly in the support frame, and each corresponding bolt hole includes a bolt inner surface (76) formed partly of the skirt material and partly of the second material.

11. The retaining ring of claim 10, wherein a small portion of the inner surface of each corresponding bolt is formed of the skirt material, and a large portion of the inner surface of each corresponding bolt is formed of the second material, wherein the skirt material comprises rubber or rubber-like material, and the second material comprises plastic material.

12. The retaining ring according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the skirt portion is attached to the support frame by a tenon joint (80), the tenon joint being formed by a tongue (86) of the support frame and a mating groove (84) formed in the skirt portion, and wherein the skirt portion includes an annular protrusion (82) forming the mating groove.

13. The retaining ring according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the skirt portion is uniformly formed of the skirt material and the support frame is uniformly formed of the second material, and wherein the skirt portion is attached to the support frame via an interlocking mechanical attachment and via an adhesive attachment (88) comprising an adhesive, the adhesive attachment being inserted into the adjoining surfaces (58, 70) of the skirt portion and the support frame.

14. The retaining ring according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the second material has a higher resistance to permanent deformation under bolted loads than the skirt material has to the bolted loads.

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