Leak detection system for mobile devices

Abstract

A hydraulic leak detection device comprises a detector body with a bore through it, configured to receive a cylindrical hydraulic line through the bore. The detector body may be arranged eccentrically with respect to a bore center axis, defining a laterally projecting portion of the detector body. The laterally projecting portion of the detector body may have a laterally extending body passage defined therein, which communicates with the bore. The detector body may have at least one planar face configured to engage with an end face of a hydraulic nut attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line. A leak detection sensor may be arranged, at least partially, within the laterally projecting portion of the detector body and communicate with the laterally extending body passage.The laterally extending body passage can be configured to direct hydraulic fluid introduced into it through the laterally extending body passage and into contact with the leak detection sensor.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for detecting oil leaks in the hydraulic system of a working machine. BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION

[0002] Working machines, such as those used in construction, agriculture, forestry, or mining, can perform a variety of tasks. With these machines, it is often necessary to coordinate the amount of power distributed across different performance characteristics and tasks. The power generated by the machine's engine is distributed throughout the machine to move it across varied terrain and to operate the various attachments that may be coupled to it.

[0003] Working machines typically include a hydraulic control system. This system may include one or more hydraulic motors, which are capable of providing torque to drive the working machine. The working machine's power unit can generate power and drive a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump can supply hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulic motors via a control valve. The hydraulic control system may include dozens, if not hundreds, of cylindrical hydraulic lines, which are designed to hold hydraulic fluid for transport throughout the system. These cylindrical hydraulic lines are connected at various connection points throughout the hydraulic control system using hydraulic coupling nuts. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0004] This summary of disclosure is provided to offer a simplified selection of concepts that are described in more detail below in the Detailed Description. This summary of disclosure is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of protection of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a hydraulic leak detection device. The hydraulic leak detection device may comprise a detector body with a bore through it, configured to receive a cylindrical hydraulic line through the bore. The bore may have a bore center axis. The detector body may be arranged eccentrically with respect to the bore center axis, defining a laterally projecting section of the detector body. The laterally projecting section of the detector body may have a laterally extending body passage defined therein, which communicates with the bore. The detector body may have at least one planar face configured to engage with an end face of a hydraulic connection nut attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line.A leak detection sensor can be located, at least partially, in the laterally projecting section of the detector body. The leak detection sensor can be connected to the laterally extending body passage. The laterally extending body passage can be configured to direct hydraulic fluid introduced into it through the laterally extending body passage and into contact with the leak detection sensor.

[0006] Another aspect according to the embodiments disclosed herein is a method for detecting a hydraulic leak in a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may comprise a horizontally oriented cylindrical hydraulic line and a hydraulic connection nut attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line at a hydraulic connection of the hydraulic system. The method may further comprise providing a detector comprising a detector body and a sensor. The detector body may have a bore through it. The bore may have a bore axis. The detector body may be arranged eccentrically with respect to the bore axis, such that a laterally projecting section of the detector body is defined. The laterally projecting section of the detector body may have a laterally extending passage defined therein, which communicates with the bore.The detector body can have at least one planar side. The sensor can be accommodated in the laterally extending passage through the body. The method can further include placing the detector body around the cylindrical hydraulic line, with the at least one planar side engaging with the end face of the hydraulic fitting nut, aligning the detector body such that the laterally projecting portion of the detector body extends downwards, and detecting hydraulic fluid that has escaped past the hydraulic fitting nut, flowing into the bore and into the laterally extending passage through the body, and coming into contact with the sensor.

[0007] Numerous features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art upon review of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a front view of a hydraulic leak detection device according to the present disclosure. The device is in a closed position. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic leak detection device of Fig. 1 along line 2-2 from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a front view of the hydraulic leak detection device of Fig. 1 in an open position. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective sectional view of the hydraulic leak detection device of Fig. 1, wherein the hydraulic leak detection device is attached to a cylindrical hydraulic line. Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of the hydraulic leak detection device of Fig. 1, wherein the hydraulic leak detection device is attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line, along line 5-5 of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic view of the leak detection circuit of the hydraulic leak detection device of Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Reference will now be made in more detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, for which one or more drawings are provided here. Each drawing is provided to illustrate the present disclosure and does not constitute a limitation. Rather, it will be obvious to the person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of protection of the disclosure. For example, features that are illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to achieve yet another embodiment.

[0009] Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of protection of the pending claims and their equivalents. Further tasks, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description or become apparent from it. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the present discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] The terms "connected," "attached," "joined," "fastened," "fixed," and the like should be interpreted as meaning any kind of connection between two objects, including, but not limited to, the use of fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, studs, pins and shackles, and the like, which permit a stationary, movable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind, such as traditional metal inert gas welding, tungsten inert gas welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, gas welding, induction welding, and the like; the use of any resin, adhesive, epoxy, and the like; one-piece integral formation; any mechanical fit, such as friction fit, tight fit, sliding fit, rotary fit, swivel fit, and the like; any combination thereof, and the like.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, any part of the apparatus described in this disclosure may be made of a suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite material, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, any part of the apparatus described in this disclosure may be manufactured using an appropriate manufacturing process, such as, but not limited to, 3D printing, injection molding, or the like.

[0012] As the term "includes" or "encloses" is used in the description or claims, it should have an inclusive meaning, similar to the term "comprehensive," as interpreted when used as a transitional phrase in a claim. Furthermore, the term "or," as used (e.g., A or B), should mean "A or B or both." If the applicants wish to specify "only A or B, but not both," then the term "only A or B, but not both" is used. Thus, the use of the term "or" here is inclusive, not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2nd ed. 1995). Additionally, the terms "in the" or "into the," as used in the description or claims, should also mean "on the" or "at the."Furthermore, the term "connect" as used in the description or in the claims shall not only mean "directly connected to" but also "indirectly connected to", such as connected by another component or by several other components.

[0013] Hydraulic fluid leaks are a common occurrence in hydraulic control systems on machinery. These leaks often originate at or below the hydraulic connection nut at a connection point. Due to the numerous cylindrical hydraulic lines and connection points, it is often difficult for an operator to locate the source of the leak. Therefore, hydraulic fluid leaks are typically not detected by visual inspection, but rather by the operator noticing symptoms. These symptoms can include reduced hydraulic fluid levels, a loss of hydraulic power, a drop in hydraulic pressure, or an overall decline in the performance of the equipment, to name just a few.As soon as operators suspect a hydraulic fluid leak, they spend considerable time visually inspecting every cylindrical hydraulic line and connection point in search of the leak's source. These hydraulic lines and connection points can be located in hard-to-reach areas of the machine, necessitating partial disassembly. This type of inspection often results in extended machine downtime. Consequently, there is a need for improvements in hydraulic leak detection on machinery.

[0014] With reference to the following Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a hydraulic leak detection device, generally designated by the number 100. The hydraulic leak detection device 100 can also be referred to here as an FOB 100 or simply as a detector 100. The hydraulic leak detection device 100 can comprise a detector body 102. The detector body 102 can be made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, polyurethane, or silicone, to name just a few examples. The detector body 102 can be flexible yet resilient, allowing it to deform in certain scenarios while maintaining its overall shape.

[0015] The detector body 102 may have a bore 104 through it. The bore 104 may be configured to accommodate a cylindrical hydraulic line 10 through the bore 104, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the detector body 102 can include a cylindrical inner surface 105 that defines the bore 104. The bore 104 can include a bore center axis 106 that is defined at an axial center of the bore 104.

[0016] The detector body 102 can further comprise a first body part 108, a second body part 110, and a joint 112. The first body part 108 and the second body part 110 can be pivotally connected to each other by the joint 112. Thus, the first body part 108 and the second body part 110 can rotate relative to each other about the joint 112. The first body part 108 and the second body part 110 can form the entire cylindrical inner surface 105 or a section thereof.

[0017] The detector body 102 can be operated in a closed position and an open position. The detector body 102 is in Fig. 1 in the closed position and in Fig. Figure 3 shows the open position. The hydraulic leak detection device 100 can include a locking mechanism 114. The locking mechanism 114 can be a hook locking mechanism 114 as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 1 or any other type of coupling device. The locking mechanism 114 can be configured to lock the first body part 108 and the second body part 110 together in the closed position or to selectively couple them. In the closed position, the first body part 108 and the second body part 110 form a closed ring, defining the bore 104. The locking mechanism 114 can be configured to unlock the first body part 108 from the second body part 110, allowing the detector body 102 to be configured in the open position. In the open position, the first body part 108 and the second body part 110 can be rotated about the joint 112 relative to each other, so that the first body part 108 and the second body part 110 no longer form a closed ring.The hydraulic leak detection device 100 can be configured in the open position when the hydraulic leak detection device 100 is attached to or removed from a cylindrical hydraulic line 10.

[0018] The detector body 102, which can be configured in both closed and open positions, allows the hydraulic leak detection device 100 to be connected to an existing cylindrical hydraulic line 10 without disconnecting the existing cylindrical hydraulic connection. One advantage of this feature is reduced installation time for the hydraulic leak detection device 100, as an operator does not need to deactivate the entire hydraulic system or part of it to install the device. Another advantage is that the hydraulic leak detection device 100 can be easily removed from one existing connection and reinstalled at another.

[0019] The detector body 102 can be arranged eccentrically with respect to the bore axis 106, defining a laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102. The detector body 102 can have at least one planar face 118 configured to engage with an end face 12 of a hydraulic connection nut 14 attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. The at least one planar face 118 can comprise two oppositely oriented planar faces, namely a first planar face 118A and a second planar face 118B. Both the first planar face 118A and the second planar face 118B can be perpendicular to the bore axis 106. The first planar face 118A and the second planar face 118B can be identical, so that either planar face can engage with the hydraulic connection nut 14.Thus, in certain optional embodiments, the first planar side 118A can engage with the end side 12 of the hydraulic connection nut 14. In further optional embodiments, the second planar side 118B can engage with the end side 12 of the hydraulic connection nut 14.

[0020] With reference to the following Fig. 4. The hydraulic leak detection device 100 can be configured for mounting on a cylindrical hydraulic line 10. In particular, the bore 104 of the hydraulic leak detection device 100 can accommodate the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 therein. The at least one planar face 118 of the hydraulic leak detection device 100 can engage with the end face 12 of the hydraulic connection nut 14. The cylindrical hydraulic line 10 can comprise an outer surface 16. In certain optional embodiments of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10, the outer surface 16 can be a threaded surface. The bore 104 of the detector body 102 can provide a sliding interference fit with the outer surface 16 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. The sliding interference fit can provide frictional resistance to movement of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 along a length 18 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10.The sliding press fit can be created if the bore diameter 120 of the bore 104 is less than or equal to the line diameter 20 of the outer surface 16 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. The detector body 102 can be flexible so that the bore 104 can accommodate the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 if the line diameter 20 of the outer surface 16 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 is greater than or equal to the bore diameter 120 of the bore 104. At least one planar face 118 of the detector body 102 can engage with the end face 12 of the hydraulic connection nut 14, so that hydraulic fluid exiting below or past the hydraulic connection nut 14 flows into the bore 104.Thus, the sliding press fit maintains the position of the hydraulic leak detection device 100 on the hydraulic connection nut 14 and counteracts movement of the hydraulic leak detection device 100 along the length 18 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10.

[0021] The laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102 can have a laterally extending body passage 12 defined therein. The laterally extending body passage 122 can communicate with the bore 104. An annular groove 124 can be defined in the cylindrical inner surface 105 of the detector body 102. The annular groove 124 can intersect the laterally extending body passage 122 in the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102. The laterally extending body passage 122 can have an open end 126, defined in the cylindrical inner surface 105 of the detector body 102, and a closed end 128, which is located closer to the outer edge 130 of the detector body 102 than to the cylindrical inner surface 105 of the detector body 102.The annular groove 124 can function to receive hydraulic fluid that escapes under or past the hydraulic connection nut 14 and to direct the hydraulic fluid to the open end 126 of the laterally extending body passage 122, so that the hydraulic fluid flows into the laterally extending body passage 122.

[0022] The hydraulic leak detection device 100 can include a leak detection sensor 132. The leak detection sensor 132 can be arranged, at least partially, in the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102. More specifically, the leak detection sensor 132 can be connected to or positioned within the laterally extending body passage 122. The leak detection sensor 132 can be located closer to the closed end 128 of the laterally extending body passage 122 than to the open end of the laterally extending body passage 122. The laterally extending body passage 122 can be configured to guide hydraulic fluid introduced into it through the laterally extending body passage 122 and into contact with the leak detection sensor.

[0023] With reference to the following Fig. 6. The leak detection sensor 132 can be operated to generate a control signal representing a hydraulic fluid detection. The leak detection sensor 132 can comprise a first pin 136 and a second pin 138. The first and second pins 136, 138 can be coupled to each other by an adhesive. The adhesive can be designed to dissolve upon contact with a fluid, such as hydraulic fluid. The first and second pins 136, 138 can be spring-loaded to separate from each other. Thus, the leak detection sensor 132 can be operated such that when the leak detection sensor 132 comes into contact with hydraulic fluid, the adhesive dissolves, the first and second pins 136, 138 separate from each other, and the control signal is generated. Although an exemplary leak detection sensor 132 in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the leak detection sensor 132 can be any other type of sensor that can be operated to detect the presence of a fluid, namely hydraulic fluid.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1-2 and 4-5, the detector body 102 can include a center of gravity 134. The laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102 and the leak detection sensor 132 can be configured such that the center of gravity 134 is offset from the bore center axis 106 and positioned in the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102. In certain optional embodiments, the center of gravity 134 can be positioned in the laterally extending body passage 122.

[0025] With specific reference to Fig. 5. When the hydraulic leak detection device 100 is attached to a horizontally oriented cylindrical hydraulic line 10, a gravitational force G acting on the hydraulic leak detection device 100 can force it to rotate about the bore center axis 106 into a position where the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102 is oriented downwards. Thus, the laterally projecting section 116 can be in a vertical position below the bore center axis 106. The sliding interference fit of the bore 104 of the detector body 102 and the outer surface 16 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 can permit a rotational movement of the hydraulic leak detection device 100 about the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. This rotational movement can occur in response to the gravitational force G acting on the center of gravity 134 of the hydraulic leak detection device 100.The machine can generate vibrations that are transmitted through the entire hydraulic control system. These vibrations can, in part, cause a general rotational movement of the hydraulic leak detection device 100 around the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. Due to the center of gravity 134, which lies in the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102, and the force of gravity G acting on the center of gravity 134, the hydraulic leak detection device 100 can be forced to rotate into a position where the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102 is oriented in a downward direction. Fig. Figure 5 shows the hydraulic leak detection device 100 coupled to a cylindrical hydraulic line 10, wherein the hydraulic leak detection device 100 rotates through three successive positions, starting at position 1 and rotating through position 2 to position 3.

[0026] The machine can include a control system that incorporates a controller 140. The controller 140 can be part of the machine's control system or it can be a separate control module. The controller 140 can be configured to receive input signals from various sensors. In particular, the controller 140 can be configured to receive input signals from the hydraulic leak detection device 100, which represents the detection of hydraulic fluid. The controller 140 can be configured to inform an operator about the hydraulic fluid leak on an operator display.

[0027] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for detecting a hydraulic leak in a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system can comprise the horizontally oriented cylindrical hydraulic line 10 and the hydraulic connection nut 14, which is attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 at the hydraulic connection of the hydraulic system.

[0028] The method may include the provision of the hydraulic leak detection device 100, as previously described. The bore 104 of the detector body 102 may be configured to engage with the outer surface 16 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 in an interference fit, thereby providing frictional resistance to movement of the detector along the length 18 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. The interference fit may be loose enough that such alignment of the detector body 102 in a position such that the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102 extends downwards can be achieved by rotating the detector body 102 about the bore center axis 106 after placing the detector body 102 around the cylindrical hydraulic line 10, thereby engaging the at least one planar side 118 with the end face 12 of the hydraulic connection nut 14.The press fit can be loose enough that the detector body 102 can resist lateral movement along the length 18 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10, but can still rotate around the cylindrical hydraulic line 10.

[0029] The method can further comprise placing the detector body 102 around the cylindrical hydraulic line 10, wherein the at least one planar side 118 engages with the end face 12 of the hydraulic connection nut 14. The detector body 102 can be opened or moved into the open position by pivoting the first body part 108 and the second body part 110 relative to each other. The open detector body 102 can then be placed around the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. The detector body 102 can then be closed or moved into the closed position by pivoting the first body part 108 and the second body part 110 relative to each other in such a way that a closed ring is formed. The locking mechanism 114 can lock the first body part 108 to the second body part 110.The bore 104 of the detector body 102, specifically the cylindrical inner surface 105, can engage with the threaded outer surface 16 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10 in an interference fit, thereby providing frictional resistance to movement of the hydraulic leak detection device 100 along the length 18 of the cylindrical hydraulic line 10. The at least one planar side 118 can be held such that it engages with the end face 12 of the hydraulic connection nut 14 in response to the interference fit.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 5. The method can further include aligning the detector body 102 in such a position that the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102 extends downwards. This alignment of the detector body 102 can be performed manually during installation. In an optional embodiment, the detector body 102 can be rotated about the bore center axis 106 in response to gravity into the position in which the laterally projecting section 116 of the detector body 102 extends downwards. A downward rotation due to gravity G can occur in response to vibrations of the hydraulic system. The gravity G acting on the eccentrically positioned center of gravity 134 tends to cause the detector 102 to remain oriented downwards. Fig.Figure 5 shows the hydraulic leak detection device 100 coupled to a cylindrical hydraulic line 10, wherein the hydraulic leak detection device 100 rotates through three successive positions, starting at position 1 and rotating through position 2 to position 3.

[0031] The method can further include detecting hydraulic fluid that has escaped past the hydraulic connection nut 14, flowing into the bore 104 and into the laterally extending passage 122, where it comes into contact with the leak detection sensor 132. The hydraulic fluid can initially be collected in the annular groove 124 of the cylindrical inner surface 105. Due to the downward orientation of the laterally projecting section 116 and the laterally extending passage 122, gravity can cause the hydraulic fluid to flow from the annular groove 124 into the laterally extending passage 122 and into contact with the leak detection sensor 132. When the leak detection sensor 132 comes into contact with the hydraulic fluid, the adhesive can dissolve, the first and second pins 136, 138 can separate from each other, and the leak detection sensor 132 can generate a control signal representing a detection of hydraulic fluid.

[0032] It is thus shown that the devices and methods of the present disclosure readily achieve the stated objectives and advantages, as well as those inherent within them. Although certain preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described for illustrative purposes, the person skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the arrangement and construction of the parts and steps. Each disclosed feature or embodiment can be combined with one or more of the other disclosed features or embodiments. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2nd ed. 1995)

[0012]

Claims

[1] Hydraulic leak detection device (100) comprising: a detector body (102) having a bore (104) therethrough, configured to receive a cylindrical hydraulic line (10) through the bore (104), the bore (104) having a bore center axis (106), the detector body (102) being arranged eccentrically with respect to the bore center axis (106) to define a laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102), the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102) having a laterally extending body passage (122) defined therein in communication with the bore (104), the detector body (102) having at least one planar side (118) configured to engage an end face (12) of a hydraulic connection nut (14) attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line (10); and a leak detection sensor (132) disposed at least partially within the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102), the leak detection sensor (132) communicating with the laterally extending body passage (122), the laterally extending body passage (122) being configured to direct hydraulic fluid introduced therein through the laterally extending body passage (122) and into contact with the leak detection sensor (132). [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the detector body (102) comprises a center of gravity (134), wherein the center of gravity (134) is offset from the bore center axis (106) and positioned in the laterally projecting portion (116), and wherein the center of gravity (134) causes the detector body (102) to rotate about the bore center axis (106) in response to gravity (134) to cause the laterally projecting portion (116) to have a vertical position below the bore center axis (106) when the detector body (102) is mounted horizontally. [3] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the detector body (102) comprises a first body part (108), a second body part (110) and a joint (112), and wherein the first body part (108) and the second body part (110) are pivotally connected to one another by the joint (112). [4] Device (100) according to claim 3, further comprising: a lock (114) configured to lock the first body portion (108) and the second body portion (110) together in a closed position. [5] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the detector body (102) is made of an elastomeric material. [6] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one planar side (118) of the detector body (102) comprises two oppositely facing planar sides (118A, 118B), each planar side being perpendicular to the bore center axis (106). [7] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the detector body (102) comprises a cylindrical inner surface (105) defining the bore (104), and the detector body (102) has an annular groove (124) defined in the cylindrical inner surface (105), the annular groove (124) intersecting the laterally extending body passage (122) in the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102). [8] Device (100) according to claim 1 in combination with the cylindrical hydraulic line (10), wherein: the bore (104) of the detector body (102) provides a sliding interference fit with an outer surface (16) of the cylindrical hydraulic line (10) such that the sliding interference fit provides frictional resistance to movement of the device (100) along a length (18) of the line (10). [9] The combination of claim 8, wherein: the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102) and the leak detection sensor (132) are configured such that a center of gravity (134) of the device (100) lies in the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102), so that when the device (100) is attached to a horizontally oriented cylindrical hydraulic line (10), the force of gravity acting on the device (100) forces the device (100) to rotate about the bore center axis (106) into a position in which the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102) is oriented in a downward direction; and the sliding interference fit with the outer surface (16) of the cylindrical hydraulic line (10) further permits rotational movement of the device (100) about the cylindrical hydraulic line (10) in response to the force of gravity acting on the center of gravity (134) of the device (100). [10] The combination of claim 8, wherein: the outer surface (16) of the cylindrical hydraulic line (10) is a threaded surface. [11] The combination of claim 8, further comprising: the hydraulic connection nut (14) attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line (10); and wherein the at least one planar side (118) is engaged with the end face (12) of the hydraulic connection nut (14) so ​​that hydraulic fluid exiting past the hydraulic connection nut (14) flows into the bore (104). [12] A combination according to claim 8, wherein: the detector body (102) is made of an elastomeric material. [13] A method for detecting a hydraulic leak in a hydraulic system comprising a horizontally oriented cylindrical hydraulic line (10) and a hydraulic connection nut (14) attached to the cylindrical hydraulic line (10) at a hydraulic connection of the hydraulic system, the method comprising: Providing a detector (100) comprising a detector body (102) and a sensor (132), the detector body (102) having a bore (104) therethrough, the bore (104) having a bore center axis (106), the detector body (102) being arranged eccentrically with respect to the bore center axis (106) to define a laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102), the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102) having a laterally extending body passage (122) defined therein and communicating with the bore (104), the detector body (102) having at least one planar side (118), the sensor (132) being received in the laterally extending body passage (122); Placing the detector body (102) around the cylindrical hydraulic line (10), wherein the at least one planar side (118) is engaged with the end side (12) of the hydraulic connection nut (14); aligning the detector body (102) in a position such that the laterally projecting portion (116) of the detector body (102) extends downward; and Detecting leaked hydraulic fluid past the hydraulic connection nut (14) flowing into the bore (104) and into the laterally extending body passage (122) into contact with the sensor (132).

Images