HYDRAULIC UNIT AND DEVICE COMPRISING THE UNIT

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a hydraulic unit, in particular a drive unit according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a device comprising the hydraulic drive unit and a machine housing. Background of the invention

[0002] German patent DE 10 2018 218 113 A1 discloses a hydraulic drive unit. This unit has an oil tank to which a hydraulic block is laterally attached. The hydraulic block is fluidically connected to the tank. Further designs relevant to the evaluation of the invention can be found in JP S49 95392 U, US 2004 / 134189 A1, EP 2 251 191 A1, and JP S56 148101 U7. JP S49 101186 U, considered the closest, discloses a drive unit with the features listed in the preamble of claim 1. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] In contrast, the invention aims to create a hydraulic drive unit that is simple and cost-effective in terms of its design and can be used flexibly. Furthermore, the invention aims to create a device comprising a machine housing and a hydraulic drive unit that is simple and cost-effective in terms of its design and can be used flexibly.

[0004] This problem with regard to the hydraulic drive unit is solved according to the features of claim 1 and with regard to the device according to the features of claim 12.

[0005] Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the invention, a hydraulic drive unit with a hydraulic control system is provided. Furthermore, the drive unit has a hydraulic tank, which is preferably fluidically connected to the control system. The drive unit also has a support frame. According to the invention, the hydraulic tank is mounted below the support frame, and the hydraulic control system is mounted on the support frame.

[0007] This solution has the advantage that the support frame bears the load of the control unit. Therefore, the mechanical requirements for the hydraulic tank are comparatively low compared to the prior art. It is no longer necessary to design the hydraulic tank specifically to support a control unit. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the hydraulic tank is protected by the support frame when positioned beneath it. In contrast, the hydraulic tank described earlier in the prior art serves as a load-bearing element for a hydraulic block with valves, a drive unit, and other components.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic tank is made of plastic, meaning it can be a plastic container. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing of the hydraulic tank. Materials such as die-cast aluminum or sheet metal welded constructions are no longer essential, as the hydraulic tank no longer has to bear the load of the hydraulic control system. The hydraulic tank can be manufactured cost-effectively using rotational molding. This also allows for a flexible design of the hydraulic tank, making flow and degassing optimization easy.

[0009] Preferably, the hydraulic tank and the control unit are arranged one above the other, resulting in a compact design and enabling easy machine integration in a device such as a hydraulic press brake.

[0010] The hydraulic tank preferably has a flow-optimized and / or degassing-optimized geometry. In this geometry, a return opening can be separated from a suction opening by a wall. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the hydraulic tank has a U-shaped flow chamber, preferably configured as a horizontal U. The return opening can then open into a first leg of the flow chamber, and the suction opening can open into a second leg.

[0011] The control unit incorporates a hydraulic block. This block has, for example, at least one integrated hydraulic channel and / or at least one mounted and / or integrated valve. Mounting the relatively heavy hydraulic block on the support frame above the hydraulic tank is particularly advantageous, as it relieves the hydraulic tank of the block's weight. The hydraulic block can be easily manufactured, for example, using a 3D printing process, especially a 3D sand core printing process. This also allows for flexible design of at least one hydraulic channel. As a result, the hydraulic block can be designed more compactly overall, thus making the hydraulic drive unit more compact as a whole.The flexible design of at least one hydraulic channel and hydraulic connections allows, for example, hydraulic or machine interfaces to be positioned on the top of the hydraulic block, making them easily accessible. Generally, the hydraulic block can be easily manufactured using 3D printing, enabling it to be mounted above the hydraulic tank on the support frame with minimal tooling effort. Furthermore, it is conceivable to design the hydraulic block's interfaces symmetrically, so that, for example, when using the hydraulic drive unit in a press brake, only one version of the hydraulic drive unit is needed for both the left and right press cylinders.

[0012] By placing the control unit on the hydraulic tank, both the tank and the control unit are more easily accessible, for example for maintenance or in case of service.

[0013] By arranging the control unit with the hydraulic block on or above the hydraulic tank, the hydraulic block can have a symmetrical design, particularly with regard to a customer interface or hydraulic interface. This is possible because the interface to the hydraulic tank can be located below the hydraulic block and thus above the hydraulic tank.

[0014] According to the invention, the support frame is designed as a support plate. The support plate is designed such that it can support the load absorbed by the control unit and the hydraulic tank on a statically load-bearing surface. A machine element or a floor can serve as the support surface. The support surface is, for example, located below the control unit and / or below the hydraulic tank, thus making the control unit and / or the hydraulic tank easily accessible. According to the invention, the support plate is designed with an angled profile. Preferably, the hydraulic tank and / or the control unit are connected to the support frame via connecting elements, in particular via a screw connection. In other words, the hydraulic tank can be screwed to the angled support plate from below, and the hydraulic block of the control unit can be screwed to it from above. The support plate can transfer or support the load onto a statically load-bearing machine element on the underside of the hydraulic block.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support frame has a flange section for attaching the hydraulic tank and the control unit. The control unit can be attached to an upper flange surface or top side of the flange section. The hydraulic tank can be attached to a lower flange surface or underside of the flange section. The flange section is preferably frame-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, it is further preferably possible that the control unit is attached further inward on the flange section compared to the hydraulic tank. The flange surfaces are preferably flat or planar.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support frame has lateral, flat support sections that extend laterally from the flange section. These support sections can overlap the hydraulic tank and rest against the support surface. The hydraulic tank can thus be arranged between the support sections, which provide additional protection against external forces. Preferably, the support sections extend approximately parallel to each other. It would be conceivable to design the support frame such that the hydraulic tank is accommodated between the support sections and can be easily inserted and removed between them, for example, for assembly and disassembly. Thus, the support frame can provide a protected insertion point for the hydraulic tank.In other words, the support frame preferably has a U-shaped base body which has two support legs and a connecting leg, the connecting leg being designed as a flange section.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the flange section can have a through-opening through which control lines can be inserted into the tank. Preferably, the through-opening is located above a tank opening of the hydraulic tank. The tank opening can, for example, be designed such that both chamber sections are accessible through it. Thus, the lines can be easily inserted into each chamber section to supply and discharge hydraulic fluid.

[0018] Advantageously, a sealing element can be arranged between the control unit and the support frame. For example, the sealing element is provided between the hydraulic block and the flange section. The sealing element is, for example, ring-shaped and arranged circumferentially around the through-hole on the upper flange surface of the flange section. The hydraulic block can accordingly have a contact surface, with the sealing element then preferably arranged between the contact surface and the upper flange surface.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable to provide a sealing element between the hydraulic tank and the support frame. The sealing element can be annular and circumferential around the tank opening. It can also be provided circumferentially around the through-opening, preferably on the lower flange surface of the flange section. Preferably, the hydraulic tank has an upper contact surface that preferably surrounds the tank opening and rests against the lower flange surface via the sealing element. In other words, a sealing element can be arranged between the sheet metal and the hydraulic block, as well as a sealing element between the sheet metal and the hydraulic tank.

[0020] Positioning the tank opening below the through-opening of the support frame is advantageous because the openings are thus preferably located above the oil level in the hydraulic tank. The hydraulic tank is preferably connected to the support structure via sealing surfaces, which are also located above the oil level. This design and arrangement results in an extremely robust construction.

[0021] Preferably, the support frame has leveling feet. These allow the support frame to rest on the support surface. Each leveling foot also has a damping pad, which can be permanently attached to the respective leveling foot. It is also conceivable that at least some of the leveling feet, or even one leveling foot, is adjustable relative to the support frame. For example, each leveling foot has a plate that is connected to the support frame via a screw bolt. The leveling foot can then be axially adjusted via this screw bolt. In other words, the bent sheet metal has leveling feet with damping pads attached to its underside.

[0022] Preferably, the hydraulic tank is supported at the top by the support frame and is designed such that it can also be supported at the bottom and / or laterally on the support surface. This allows the tank, for example, to additionally rest on the load-bearing machine element. As a result, the entire load of the hydraulic tank is not borne by the support frame, which can then be designed more simply.

[0023] Advantageously, the control unit can be attached to a drive unit. This drive unit is preferably fluidically connected to the control unit. The drive unit comprises, for example, an electric motor and a hydraulic machine, in particular a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic machine can be driven by the electric motor. Preferably, the hydraulic machine has two connections, in particular a pressure connection or tank connection, or two pressure connections. These two connections are then preferably fluidically connected to the hydraulic block. The drive unit can be installed on and / or at least partially within the hydraulic block, resulting in an extremely compact drive unit.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit has lines for fluidic connection to the hydraulic tank. These lines can be attached to the control unit and extend into one or the tank opening of the hydraulic tank via the support frame. Thus, it is not necessary, for example, to attach the lines inside or to the tank and / or to the support frame, since they are attached to the control unit, particularly to the hydraulic block. The lines can therefore be mechanically decoupled from the hydraulic tank and preferably only have a fluidic connection to it. This allows for simple design and assembly.

[0025] In other words, hydraulic lines and / or channels can extend from the hydraulic block through one of the through-openings in the support frame and into the hydraulic tank's inlet. Preferably, the lines cantilever freely into the hydraulic tank. The inlet is preferably located at the top of the hydraulic tank. It would be conceivable to mechanically connect the lines to the hydraulic tank, for example, to dampen vibrations. However, a sealing connection, as with a connecting fitting, would not be necessary. The sealing connection can be formed between the hydraulic block and the support frame.

[0026] According to the invention, a device, in particular a hydraulic press brake, is provided with a machine housing. Furthermore, the device can have a drive unit according to one or more of the preceding aspects. The machine housing has, for example, two housing walls, in particular extending from top to bottom. These can be connected by at least one connecting profile arranged between them. The connecting profile can have a support surface. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the support surface adjacent to or near the connecting profile. The drive unit is then preferably arranged on the support surface. Due to the compact drive unit, whose hydraulic block is flexibly accessible from all sides and from above, since the hydraulic tank is arranged below the hydraulic block, it can be flexibly arranged in the machine housing. It would also be conceivable to provide at least two drive units in the device.These can be designed identically, at least with regard to their connections or overall.

[0027] Preferably, the drive unit is integrated into the connecting profile, which can also provide additional protection against mechanical influences. The connecting profile has, for example, a U- or H-shaped cross-section. The support surface can then be provided between the legs of the connecting profile. Thus, the drive unit can be arranged, for example, between the legs. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the housing walls extend parallel to each other.

[0028] In other words, the drive unit or the proportions of the drive unit are designed in such a way that it can be arranged in front of, on top of, behind or in a connecting element or connecting profile between machine cheeks or housing walls with only one variant.

[0029] The unit according to the invention allows, for example, the heavy hydraulic block to be easily mounted above the hydraulic tank, particularly in the form of a plastic container. This allows the sealing point between the hydraulic block and the hydraulic tank to be located above the oil level, thus reducing the risk of leakage over the unit's service life.

[0030] The advantageous arrangement of the hydraulic block allows for flexible integration with a device such as a press brake. Furthermore, the hydraulic block and its control unit are easily accessible for maintenance or servicing, for example, to replace hydraulic components. This is made possible by the hydraulic block's placement directly on top of the drive unit.

[0031] Due to the mechanical decoupling, or largely mechanical decoupling, of the control lines from the hydraulic tank, leverage from hoses or piping, as well as tolerance chain misalignment, does not result in any damaging moments or forces on the hydraulic tank. Such forces and moments are absorbed by the control system, particularly the hydraulic block. The support structure prevents significant loads from acting on the hydraulic tank, thus eliminating the need for unnecessarily thick walls or shells. Furthermore, this design eliminates the risk of deformation of the hydraulic tank due to creep, especially at higher temperatures of the hydraulic oil or the surrounding environment.

[0032] By positioning the hydraulic block above the hydraulic tank, a symmetrical design with respect to the external interfaces of the hydraulic block is possible. This allows for the use of only one drive unit variant, for example, for left and right sides, in devices with at least two drive units, such as hydraulic press brakes. Furthermore, the same variant can also be mounted in front of, on top of, or behind the connecting profile.

[0033] Revealbart is a hydraulic drive unit consisting of a plastic container and a support frame. The plastic container is mounted beneath the support frame. A hydraulic control unit is mounted on the support frame. The support frame can bear the load of the superstructure. Alternatively or additionally, the support frame can have a protected compartment for the plastic container. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the support frame can relieve the plastic container of forces that may be introduced by the control unit's connecting cables. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Figure 1 in a perspective view a hydraulic drive unit according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2in another perspective view the hydraulic drive unit according to the exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 in a side view with a cutout the hydraulic drive unit according to the exemplary embodiment, Figure 4 in a bottom view a cross-section through the hydraulic drive unit according to the embodiment, wherein the cross-section extends through a hydraulic tank, Figure 5 in a side view a part of the hydraulic unit according to the exemplary embodiment in the area of ​​a support leg, Figure 6 in a perspective view a device with a machine housing and two hydraulic drive units according to the exemplary embodiment, and Figure 7 The device is shown in a cross-section, with several possible positions of the hydraulic drive unit being shown. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0035] According to Figure 1A hydraulic drive unit 1 is shown. This unit has a hydraulic control unit 2, which is mounted on a support frame 4. A hydraulic tank 6 is provided below the support frame 4 and is also connected to the support frame 4. The control unit 2 has a hydraulic block 8. This block has connections 10 that are accessible from above. Furthermore, the connections 10 are symmetrically designed, which allows the unit 1 to be used flexibly, as explained in more detail above. The hydraulic block 8 has integrated hydraulic channels. A plurality of valves 12 are also mounted on and / or integrated into the hydraulic block 8. Preferably, the valves 12, or at least some of the valves 12, are provided on a top surface of the hydraulic block 8, making them easily accessible. This is possible because the hydraulic tank 6 can be arranged below the hydraulic block 8, or below the control unit 2, due to the support frame 4.Control unit 2 is therefore fully accessible from the side and from above. Unit 1 can thus be easily mounted and connected to hydraulic components, and also offers easy access for servicing or maintenance.

[0036] According to Figure 2In the unit 1, a hydraulic machine 14 and an electric motor 16 driving the hydraulic machine 14 are visible next to the hydraulic block 8. The hydraulic machine 14 is attached laterally to the hydraulic block 8 and fluidically connected to it. Furthermore, the hydraulic machine 14 is located above the hydraulic tank 6. The electric motor 16 is connected to the hydraulic machine 14 and extends away from it at a distance parallel to the hydraulic tank 6. The hydraulic machine 14 is thus located between the hydraulic block 8 and the electric motor 16. The hydraulic machine 14 and the electric motor 16 form a rod-shaped or elongated unit that extends laterally from the hydraulic block 8 over the hydraulic tank 6. It is also conceivable to integrate the hydraulic machine 14, or at least a drive unit of the hydraulic machine 14, into the hydraulic block 8.

[0037] According to Figures 1 and 2The support frame 4 has a flange section 18 to which the hydraulic block 8 and the hydraulic tank 6 are attached. Two flat lateral support sections 20 and 22 extend laterally from the flange section 18. The hydraulic tank 6 is located between these support sections. Each support section 20 and 22 has two leveling feet 24 and 26, respectively, of which, for simplicity, only two are designated with a reference numeral. The support frame 4 rests on a support surface via these leveling feet.

[0038] According to Figure 2 It can be seen that the hydraulic tank 6 is attached to the flange section 18 via screw connections 28.

[0039] In a side view according to Figure 3It can be seen that the hydraulic tank 6 has an upper flange section 30. This is frame-shaped and defines a tank opening 32. The flange section 30 rests with its upper flange surface against the flange section 18 of the support frame 4 via an annular sealing element that extends continuously around the flange section 30. The flange section 30 is designed such that it engages the screws 36 of the screw connection 28, see Figure 1. Figure 2, can accommodate. For this purpose, the flange section 30 has, for example, inserts with an internal thread, such as nuts. The screws 36 are supported with their screw heads on a top surface of the flange section 18 of the support frame 4 and engage in the flange section 30 around a respective through-hole of the support frame 4 and the sealing element 34. The sealing element 34 is thus clamped between the flange section 30 of the hydraulic tank 6 and the flange section 18 of the support frame 4 via the screw connection, thereby sealing the flange connection between the hydraulic tank 6 and the support frame 4.

[0040] According to Figure 3The connection between the hydraulic block 8 and the support frame 4 is also shown. The flange section 18 of the support frame 4 has an upper flange surface on which the hydraulic block 8 rests via an annular sealing element 38. The flange section 18 has a through-opening 40, which is encompassed by the sealing element 38. The hydraulic block 8 is connected to the hydraulic tank 6 via the through-opening 40. The hydraulic block 8 has an annular contact surface that encompasses the through-opening 40. The hydraulic block 8 is supported on the flange section 18 of the support frame 4 via the annular contact surface and the sealing element 38. Screw connections, each with a screw 42, are provided for fastening the hydraulic block 8. These are screwed into the hydraulic block 8 and their screw heads bear against an underside of the flange section 18 of the support frame 4.The flange section 18 and the sealing element 38 have corresponding through-holes for the passage of the screws 42. The sealing elements 34 and 38 provide a fluidic seal between the hydraulic block 8 and the hydraulic tank 6. A line 44 extends downwards from the hydraulic block 8 to the hydraulic tank 6. The line 44 is attached to the hydraulic block 8 and projects downwards through the through-hole 40 and the tank opening 32 into the hydraulic tank 6 to supply hydraulic fluid or oil to the hydraulic tank 6. Fig. 3 It can be seen that, viewed radially, the connection between the hydraulic block 8 and the support frame 4 lies within the connection between the hydraulic tank 6 and the support frame 4, i.e., in a plane extending perpendicular to an up-down direction. Furthermore, according to Figure 3It can be seen that connecting surfaces or flange surfaces between the hydraulic tank 6, the support frame 4 and the hydraulic block 8 extend approximately in a direction transverse to an up-down direction.

[0041] According to Figure 4 The inner tank chamber of the hydraulic tank 6 is visible, in which a cross-sectional view from below through the hydraulic tank 6 is shown. The hydraulic tank 6 has a U-shaped tank chamber 46, which is designed horizontally. Thus, two legs 48 and 50 of the U-shaped tank chamber 46 extend approximately transversely to a top-bottom direction. According to Figure 4 Line 44 leads into room leg 48. Furthermore, according to Figure 4The frame-shaped design of the flange section 30 of the hydraulic tank 6 is visible. The frame-shaped design of the flange connection 52 between the support frame 4 and the hydraulic block 8 is also evident. A further line 54 extends from the hydraulic block 8 into the chamber 50 of the hydraulic tank 6. This line serves to draw oil from the hydraulic tank 6. Furthermore, it is evident that the tank chamber 46 is easily accessible via the through-opening 40 and the tank opening 32.

[0042] According to Figure 5 The leveling foot 24 is shown. On its underside, it has a plate 56 with a damping pad 58 between the plate 56 and a support surface 60. A screw bolt 60 extends upwards from the plate 56 and is screwed to the support frame 4.

[0043] According to Figure 6A device 64 is shown. This is a part of a hydraulic press brake. The device 64 has a machine housing 66. This housing has two plate-shaped housing walls 68 and 70. These extend parallel to each other and in a top-bottom direction. Three connecting profiles 72, 74, and 76 are arranged between the housing walls 68 and 70 to connect them. The upper connecting profile 72 is U-shaped. Legs of the U-shaped connecting profile 72 extend upwards, so that a space accessible from above is bounded by the connecting profile 72. The connecting web of the connecting profile 72 between the legs has the support surface 60, over which the hydraulic unit 1 and an identical hydraulic unit 78 are supported. The units 1 and 78 face each other with their electric motors 16.

[0044] According to Figure 7A cross-section through the machine housing 66 is shown. Various possible positions of the hydraulic unit 1 are schematically depicted. This can be arranged according to... Figure 6 The hydraulic block 8 or the control unit 2 can be arranged in the connecting profile 72 or to the side of it if a suitable support surface is provided. Such a flexible arrangement is made possible by arranging the hydraulic block 8 or the control unit 2 above the hydraulic tank 6, since the control unit 2 is accessible from the side and from above.

Claims

1. Hydraulic drive unit having a hydraulic control apparatus (2) which has a hydraulic block, a hydraulic tank (6) and a support frame (4), wherein the hydraulic tank (6) is assembled below the support frame (4) and the hydraulic block is constructed on the support frame (4) above the hydraulic tank, characterized in that the support frame (4) designed as a support plate is formed with edges in such a way that it can support the load received by the hydraulic block and by the hydraulic tank (6) on a statically load-bearing support surface (60).

2. Drive unit according to Claim 1, wherein the hydraulic tank (6) is formed from plastics material.

3. Drive unit according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the hydraulic block (8) comprises at least one integrated hydraulic duct or at least one constructed and / or integrated valve (12).

4. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (4) has a flange portion (18), wherein the control apparatus (10) is fastened to an upper flange surface and the hydraulic tank (6) is fastened to a lower flange surface.

5. Drive unit according to Claim 4, wherein flat support portions (20, 22) extend laterally away from the flange portion (18), said flat support portions engaging across the hydraulic tank (6) and being designed in such a manner that they can be supported on the support surface (60).

6. Drive unit according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the flange portion (18) has a through opening (40) by way of which at least one line (44, 54) of the control apparatus (10) can be brought to protrude into the hydraulic tank (6).

7. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a sealing element (38) is disposed between the control apparatus (10) and the support frame (4), and / or wherein a sealing element (34) is disposed between the hydraulic tank (6) and the support frame (4).

8. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame has levelling feet (24) for supporting on the support surface (60), each having a damping spacer (58).

9. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic tank (6) is supported at the top on the support frame (4), and the hydraulic tank (6) is designed in such a manner that the latter can support itself below on the support surface (60).

10. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control apparatus (10) has the at least one line (44, 54) or at least one line (44, 54) for fluidically connecting to the hydraulic tank (6), wherein said line is fastened to the control apparatus (10) and protrudes by way of the support frame (4) into a tank opening (32) of the hydraulic tank (6).

11. Drive unit according to Claim 10, wherein the at least one line (44, 54) protrudes freely into the hydraulic tank (6).

12. Device having a machine housing (66) and the drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine housing (66) has two housing walls (68, 70), which are connected by way of an interposed connection profile (72), wherein the connection profile (72) has the support surface (60), or the support surface (60) is formed adjacent to the connection profile (72), wherein the drive unit (1) is disposed on the support surface (60).

13. Device according to Claim 12, wherein the drive unit (1) is integrated in the connection profile (72).