Pipe fitting of a hydraulic system

Abstract

Pipe fitting of a hydraulic system, including: - a conductor body (40); and - at least one fitting (80; 80A) arranged at one end of the conduit body (40) comprising the following: a base body (10; 10A) on which a recess (11), an extension hole (12) and an inner wall (112) are arranged, wherein the recess (11) is arranged at one end of the base body (10), wherein the extension hole (12) extends from the bottom of the recess (11) so that it communicates with the interior of the conductor body (40), wherein the hole diameter (D2) of the extension hole (12) is smaller than the inner diameter (D1) of the recess (11), and wherein the inner wall (112) encloses the interior of the recess (11); and a sealing film (20) which is elastically and tightly stretched over the base body (10; 10A) such that it covers the opening (111) of the recess (11), wherein the sealing film (20) is designed such that when loaded it breaks open in the middle of the opening (111), enters the recess (11) and then retracts towards the inner wall (112) due to its own elastic restoring force.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of hydraulic systems, in particular a pipe fitting of a hydraulic system.

[0002] Hydraulic systems are widely used in various products, such as hydraulic brake systems for bicycles. The hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic line transmits force to cause the brake caliper to slow down the brake disc, thus producing a braking effect. Typically, the hydraulic line is first manufactured separately and then connected to other components, with both ends of the hydraulic line sealed to prevent leakage of the pre-filled hydraulic fluid.

[0003] Screws and quick-release couplings are commonly used to seal hydraulic lines. The screw is screwed into the internal thread of the hydraulic line to seal it. To connect the hydraulic line to other components, the screw is then unscrewed. The quick-release coupling is typically attached to the line body and has a blind hole, which is filled when hydraulic fluid is added. To connect the hydraulic line to other components, the quick-release coupling is broken off, exposing the blind hole. These two sealing methods prevent leaks in the hydraulic line before it is connected to other components.

[0004] When sealing with screws, however, the problem arises that air can enter the space previously occupied by the screws after they are unscrewed. When sealing with quick-release couplings, the blind hole can remain completely filled with hydraulic fluid when the quick-release coupling breaks, but it must be held pointing upwards to prevent fluid from spraying out, which makes operation difficult. During the process of connecting the hydraulic line to other components, it is difficult to avoid moving the hydraulic line in such a way that the hydraulic fluid sprays out, allowing air to enter the hydraulic fluid. These air pockets can lead to inefficient power transmission through the hydraulic fluid in the assembled hydraulic system and a decrease in sensitivity.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a pipe fitting for a hydraulic system that prevents the ingress of air and enables easy connection with other components.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a pipe fitting of a hydraulic system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The pipe fitting according to the invention for a hydraulic system comprises the following: a conductor body; and at least one fitting located at one end of the pipe body, comprising the following: a base body on which a depression, an extension hole and an inner wall are arranged, wherein the depression is arranged at one end of the base body, wherein the extension hole extends from the bottom of the depression so as to communicate with the interior of the conductor body, wherein the diameter of the extension hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the depression, and wherein the inner wall encloses the interior of the depression; and a sealing film which is elastically and tightly stretched over the base body in such a way that it covers the opening of the recess, wherein the sealing film is designed so that when stressed it breaks open in the middle of the opening, enters the recess and then retracts towards the inner wall due to its own elastic restoring force.

[0008] The pipe fitting according to the invention for a hydraulic system has the following advantages. Because the tensioned sealing film seals the opening, it does not need to be loosened beforehand when connecting the pipe fitting to other components. The sealing film is pierced by the supply of hydraulic fluid via the integrated pipe fitting, allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow freely and preventing hydraulic fluid leaks and air inclusions when connecting the pipe fitting. Furthermore, a free connection of the pipe fitting to other components at different angles is possible, which facilitates operation.Another advantage is that the sealing membrane, the moment it ruptures, is forced into the recess by the hydraulic fluid and then retracts towards the inner wall due to its own elastic recoil. This prevents the center of the recess from covering the expansion hole and obstructing the flow of hydraulic fluid. The design, in which the inner diameter of the recess is larger than the diameter of the expansion hole, provides sufficient space for the sealing membrane to retract quickly, ensuring that it is not forced into the expansion hole.

[0009] The invention is described in detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a pipe fitting according to the invention for a hydraulic system, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the preferred embodiment in side view, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the sequence of movements in the lateral partial section of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 4 a schematic end view of the preferred embodiment after the sealing film has been broken through, Fig. 5 a perspective external view to illustrate the application of the pipe fitting according to the invention to a brake handle, Fig. 6 a sectional view to illustrate the application of the pipe fitting according to the invention to a brake handle, Fig. 7 a sectional view to illustrate the application of the pipe fitting according to the invention to another brake handle, Fig. 8 a perspective view of a fitting in Fig. 7, and Fig. 9 a sectional view to illustrate the application of the pipe fitting according to the invention to a T-piece.

[0010] The following section explains the tasks, features, and advantages of the present invention in more detail with reference to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawing. The invention is not intended to be limited to the features described in the description and shown in the drawing.

[0011] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a pipe fitting for a hydraulic system according to the invention. The pipe fitting comprises a pipe body 40 and a valve 80. The valve 80 is arranged at one end of the pipe body 40 and comprises a base body 10, a sealing film 20, and a retaining ring 30.

[0012] As in Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a recess 11, an extension hole 12, and an inner wall 112 are arranged on the base body 10. The recess 11 is located at one end of the base body 10 and has a bottom and an opening 111, with the other end of the base body 10 being integrated into the conductor body 40. The extension hole 12 extends from the bottom of the recess 11 such that it is connected to the interior of the conductor body 40. The inner wall 112 encloses the interior of the recess 11.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the recess 11 has an inner diameter D1 and the extension hole 12 has a hole diameter D2, where the inner diameter D1 of the recess 11 is larger than the hole diameter D2 of the extension hole 12. This means that within the same depth range, the interior space of the recess 11 is larger than the space of the extension hole 12.

[0014] The sealing film 20 is made of an elastic material. As in Fig. 2 and on the left side of the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the sealing film 20 is stretched tightly over the base body 10 such that it covers the opening 111 of the recess 11. The aforementioned tight stretching is such that the sealing film 20 is taut and thus elastically deformed. In this taut state, the sealing film 20 is held and stretched over the base body 10 in such a way that it covers the opening 111. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the hydraulic fluid located in the conduit body 40, the extension hole 12 and the interior of the recess 11 will not leak out through the opening 111 by sealing the sealing film 20.

[0015] Further information will be provided on Fig. 3 referred to. Since the sealing film 20, when stretched, covers the opening 111 of the recess 11, the thickness of the sealing film 20 decreases, and its burst strength decreases. If a force is applied perpendicular to the surface of the sealing film 20, the sealing film 20 easily ruptures in the center (i.e., at the thinnest point of the stretched sealing film 20) of the opening 111 of the recess 11. As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the opening 111 can then be connected to the surroundings and the interior of the recess 11 when the sealing film 20 no longer covers the opening 111.

[0016] The hydraulic system fitting according to the invention can be applied to a hydraulic line to connect components of a hydraulic system, so that the hydraulic fluid can be transferred between components via the hydraulic line. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the hydraulic system fitting according to the invention can be integrated into a brake lever 91 when applied to a hydraulic brake system for bicycles. Covering the fitting with the sealing film 20 prevents the hydraulic fluid, pre-filled in the hydraulic line, from leaking out through the fitting. The assembly personnel can freely select the angle at which the fitting is integrated into the brake lever 91 and align the fitting with a hydraulic fluid outlet of the brake lever 91.

[0017] After assembly, the hydraulic fluid is forced outwards through the hydraulic fluid outlet by actuating the brake lever 91. As mentioned above, the stretched sealing film 20 has a lower burst strength, which is advantageous so that the hydraulic fluid ruptures the sealing film 20 and then flows into the hydraulic line via the line fitting. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the broken part of the sealing film 20 is pressed into the interior of the recess 11 by the hydraulic fluid. Due to its construction from an elastic material, the sealing film 20 simultaneously generates an elastic restoring force, causing the sealing film 20 to contract from the point of breakage towards its outer circumference.

[0018] In particular, the sealing film 20 can be made from a raw material that has a low thickness and burst strength. If the sealing film 20 is stretched tightly over the base body 10 and its thickness and burst strength are further reduced so that the sealing film 20 can be ruptured by the hydraulic fluid when the hydraulic system is actuated, the required function of the pipe fitting according to the invention is suitably fulfilled. The raw material of the sealing film 20 can be various plastics or other materials and is not limited to specific ones.

[0019] By designing the recess 11 with an inner diameter D1 larger than the diameter D2 of the extension hole 12, the recess 11 has a sufficient interior space in which the broken sealing film 20 can contract, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown. After the sealing film 20 has been broken and then pressed into the interior of the recess 11, it will quickly contract towards the recess 11 in such a way that it no longer covers the center of the recess 11 or is not inserted into the extension hole 12.

[0020] The pipe fitting for a hydraulic system according to the invention has the following advantages. Because the tensioned sealing film 20 seals the opening 111, it does not need to be loosened beforehand when connecting the pipe fitting to other components. The sealing film 20 is pierced by the supply of hydraulic fluid via the integrated pipe fitting, allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow freely and preventing hydraulic fluid leaks and air inclusions when connecting the pipe fitting. Furthermore, a free connection of the pipe fitting to other components at different angles is possible, which facilitates operation.A further advantage is that the sealing film 20, the moment it ruptures, is forced into the recess 11 by the hydraulic fluid and then retracts towards the inner wall 112 due to its own elastic restoring force, so that the center of the recess 11 does not cover the extension hole 12 and the flow of hydraulic fluid is not impeded. The design, in which the inner diameter D1 of the recess 11 is larger than the hole diameter D2 of the extension hole 12, provides sufficient space for the sealing film 20 to retract quickly, thus ensuring that the sealing film 20 is not forced into the extension hole 12.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the sealing film 20 is stretched tightly over the base body 10 by means of the retaining ring 30. In particular, an annular groove 13 is arranged on the outer circumference of the base body 10 such that it is located near one end of the base body 10. The retaining ring 10 is integrally connected to the outer circumferential edge of the sealing film 20. After the sealing film 20 has been stretched and has covered the opening 111, the retaining ring 30 is drawn into the annular groove 13 and fixed therein. This keeps the sealing film 20 stably in a stretched, taut state.

[0022] In further embodiments, the sealing film 20 can be maintained in a stretched, taut state in various ways. After the sealing film 20 has been stretched taut over the base body 10, a clamp can, for example, be placed onto the sealing film 20 and the base body 10 so that it fits securely in order to fix the sealing film 20. Provided the sealing film 20 is stretched taut over the base body 10, it will contract due to its elastic recovery force after it has been ruptured.

[0023] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the inner wall 113 forms a rounded section at the opening 111 of the recess 11. After penetration, the sealing film 20 retracts due to its elastic restoring force. Compared to a sharp edge, the rounded section reduces the risk of the sealing film 20 being punctured, thus ensuring that the sealing film 20 stably encloses one end of the base body 10 and does not cover or enter the extension hole 12, thereby ensuring a restricted flow of the hydraulic fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the inner wall 112 also forms a rounded section at the bottom of the recess 11.

[0024] Preferably, the fitting 80 is fixed in the pipe body 40 by frictional engagement. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the base body 10 of the fitting 80 has, in particular, an engagement shaft 14, wherein the engagement shaft 14 and the recess 11 are located at both ends of the base body 10. The engagement shaft 14 is provided with a plurality of flanges 15, which are arranged radially. When the engagement shaft 14 is inserted into the conductor body 40, a force-fit is created between the flanges 15 and the inner surface of the wall of the conductor body 40, thereby stably attaching the base body 10 of the fitting 80 to one end of the conductor body 40.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the flanges 15 are ring-shaped. In this way, the flanges 15 form a multitude of leakage protection mechanisms between the pipe body 40 and the base body 10, thus significantly reducing the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage through the gap between the wall of the pipe body 40 and the base body 10. In particular, the pipe body 40 is a hose that is slightly elastically deformable, so that the flanges 15 are pressed into the pipe body in such a way that a force-fit connection is created between the base body 10 and the wall of the pipe body 40.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, it is also conceivable that the brake lever 91 with a fitting 80A prevents hydraulic fluid leaks and air inclusions if the hose fitting is integrated into the brake lever 91. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the fitting 80A is structurally essentially the same as the fitting 80 and has the base body 10A, the recess 11, the extension hole 12, the sealing film 20 and the retaining ring 30, the difference being that the dimensions of the base body 10A of the fitting 80A are smaller and it can be used individually to block the hydraulic fluid outlet of the brake lever 91.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the pipe fitting is attached, for example, to one end of the hydraulic line and integrated into a brake lever 91. In practical application, a pipe fitting can be attached to each of the two ends of the hydraulic line. The other end of the hydraulic line can be, as shown in Fig.Figure 9 shows that the hydraulic line can be integrated into a T-piece 92 via the fitting 80 of the line fitting, so that the hydraulic fluid flows into various components. Alternatively, the other end of the hydraulic line can be integrated directly into a hydraulic brake caliper to supply the brake caliper with hydraulic fluid for braking.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the pipe fitting is applied, for example, to a hydraulic brake system for bicycles by connecting it to components such as a brake lever 91, a T-piece 92, and a brake caliper. In all cases where the hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system is to flow between more than two components, the pipe fitting according to the invention can be used to connect components in order to form a flow path. Thus, the application of the pipe fitting according to the invention is not limited to hydraulic systems for bicycles.

[0029] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to one embodiment, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to this embodiment, but rather that modifications are possible such that individual features can be omitted or different combinations of features can be implemented without exceeding the scope of protection of the appended claims. The disclosure of the present invention includes all combinations of the individual features presented. Reference symbol list 10, 10A Base body 11 In-depth study 111 Opening 112 Interior wall 12 Extension hole 13 Ring groove 14 Intervention shaft 15 bundles 20 sealing foil 30 retaining ring 40 conductor bodies 80, 80A fitting 91 Brake lever 92 T-piece D1 inner diameter D2 hole diameter

Claims

[1] Pipe fitting of a hydraulic system, comprising: - a conductor body (40); and - at least one fitting (80; 80A) arranged at one end of the conduit body (40) comprising the following: a base body (10; 10A) on which a recess (11), an extension hole (12) and an inner wall (112) are arranged, wherein the recess (11) is arranged at one end of the base body (10), wherein the extension hole (12) extends from the bottom of the recess (11) so that it communicates with the interior of the conductor body (40), wherein the hole diameter (D2) of the extension hole (12) is smaller than the inner diameter (D1) of the recess (11), and wherein the inner wall (112) encloses the interior of the recess (11); and a sealing film (20) which is elastically and tightly stretched over the base body (10; 10A) such that it covers the opening (111) of the recess (11), wherein the sealing film (20) is designed such that when loaded it breaks open in the middle of the opening (111), enters the recess (11) and then retracts towards the inner wall (112) due to its own elastic restoring force. [2] Pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized by , that an annular groove (13) is formed on the outer circumference of the base body (10) and the fitting (80) includes a retaining ring (30), wherein the retaining ring (30) is connected to the outer circumferential edge of the sealing film (20) and is inserted into the annular groove 13. [3] Pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized by , that the inner wall (113) forms a rounding at the opening (111) of the depression (11). [4] Pipe fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the base body (10) has an engagement shaft (14), wherein the engagement shaft (14) and the recess (11) are located at both ends of the base body (10), wherein the engagement shaft (14) is provided with a plurality of fringes (15) arranged radially, wherein when the engagement shaft (14) is inserted into the conductor body (40) a force-fit is created between the fringes (15) and the inside of the wall of the conductor body (40).

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