Hydraulic connection system

The hydraulic connection system addresses the challenge of high connection forces by using a mechanical assistance system with synchronized shut-off pins and movable couplers to manage hydraulic pressure, enhancing ease of connection and disconnection.

FR3165903A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-06M-EXTEND
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-29
Publication Date
2026-03-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Hydraulic connectors are heavy and bulky, requiring significant mechanical forces to connect and disconnect due to hydraulic pressure opposing the connection, making the process cumbersome.

Method used

A hydraulic connection system with a mechanical connection assistance system featuring actuating control members that facilitate a synchronized movement of hydraulic connectors between disconnected and connected configurations, incorporating hydraulic couplers with movable skirts and synchronized shut-off pins to manage hydraulic pressure during connection and disconnection.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates mechanical connection by decompressing hydraulic pressure in sync with the connection stages, reducing the required force and simplifying the connection process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The hydraulic connection system includes a first hydraulic connector (2) and a second hydraulic connector (3). The hydraulic connection system includes a mechanical connection assistance system (27). The first hydraulic connector (2) includes at least one first hydraulic coupler (8a, 8b). The second hydraulic connector (3) includes at least one second hydraulic coupler (21a, 21b). The hydraulic couplers (8, 21) include an outer skirt (13, 22) and an inner plug (14, 23). An outer skirt (13, 22) includes a hydraulic exhaust (34), and the hydraulic connection system includes a shut-off pin (39) synchronized with the actuating control member (33) to open and / or close the hydraulic exhaust (34) during actuation of the actuating control member (33). Figure for the abstract: Figure 4
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Description

Title of the invention: Hydraulic connection system FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to hydraulic connection systems.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a hydraulic connection system. technological BACKGROUND

[0003] In the field of hydraulics, it is known to use a hydraulic connection system between two mechanical systems. The hydraulic connection system comprises a first and a second complementary hydraulic connector that can be alternately connected or disconnected from each other. When connected, a hydraulic connection is, or can be, established between the two mechanical systems. This allows, for example, a second mechanical system to be hydraulically actuated from a hydraulic fluid source in the first mechanical system.

[0004] Since these hydraulic connectors can be heavy and bulky, a mechanical connection assistance system is known. Such a mechanical connection assistance system typically comprises a first mechanical device carried by the first hydraulic connector and a second mechanical device carried by the second hydraulic connector, which complements the first mechanical device. The actuation of a control element, such as a lever or handle, by an operator in a connection direction will generate cooperation between the first and second mechanical devices, for example, by cam action, bringing the first and second hydraulic connectors closer together.

[0005] Each of the hydraulic connectors considered comprises a set of hydraulic couplers. For clarity, the couplers of the first hydraulic connector will be referred to as the first hydraulic couplers, and the couplers of the second hydraulic connector as the second hydraulic couplers. In the disconnected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, each hydraulic coupler is in a sealed, closed configuration, which prevents hydraulic fluid leaks.

[0006] A first hydraulic coupler of the first hydraulic connector and a second hydraulic coupler of the second hydraulic connector are complementary to each other, so that, in connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the hydraulic fluid can flow between the first and second hydraulic connectors.

[0007] The hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic fluid remains present even when the tool is not actuation. Consequently, after actuation, this hydraulic pressure opposes the mechanical forces of connecting and disconnecting the hydraulic connection system, so that significant forces are required to achieve the mechanical connection.

[0008] The invention thus aims to provide a solution to this problem. Summary of the invention

[0009] Thus, the invention relates to a hydraulic connection system comprising a first hydraulic connector and a second hydraulic connector, the hydraulic connection system comprising a mechanical connection assistance system, the mechanical connection assistance system comprising a first and a second mechanical devices carried respectively by one and the other of the first and second hydraulic connectors, the first mechanical device comprising an actuating control member, and cooperating mechanically with the second mechanical device such that an actuation of the actuating control member by an operator generates a relative movement of the first and second hydraulic connectors between a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first hydraulic connector comprising at least a first hydraulic coupler,the second hydraulic connector comprising at least one second hydraulic coupler, each hydraulic coupler comprising an external skirt and an internal plug defining between them a hydraulic chamber, the internal plug and the corresponding external skirt being mounted axially movable relative to each other between a closed configuration where they cooperate hermetically with each other so as to close the chamber, and an open configuration in which the chamber is open, the internal plug and the corresponding external skirt being stressed relative to each other towards the closed configuration in the disconnected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first and second hydraulic couplers being placed, in the connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, in an open configuration to allow circulation of hydraulic fluid between the first and second hydraulic connectors,at least one outer skirt includes a hydraulic exhaust, and the hydraulic connection system further includes a synchronized shut-off pin, the actuation control element adapted to open and / or close the hydraulic exhaust during the actuation of the actuation control element.

[0010] Thanks to these arrangements, hydraulic decompression can be achieved in sync with the mechanical connection stages of the hydraulic connection system. Consequently, the mechanical connection is facilitated.

[0011] Depending on different aspects, it is possible to foresee one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first hydraulic connector comprises at least two first and second hydraulic couplers, the second hydraulic connector comprises at least two second hydraulic couplers, and a first pair of first and second hydraulic couplers form a high-pressure side of the hydraulic connection system, and a second pair of first and second hydraulic couplers form a low-pressure side of the hydraulic connection system.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the actuation control member is integral with a cam formed to move the obturating pin against the excitation of an excitation member.

[0014] According to one embodiment, said cam is adapted to move an actuator against the excitation of an excitation member, said actuator being adapted to move at least two obturating pins each associated with a respective coupler.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the sealing pin is synchronized with the actuation control member so that a passage of the actuation control member from a first position corresponding to the disconnected configuration of the first and second hydraulic connectors to a second position corresponding to the connected configuration of the first and second hydraulic connectors causes, in a first phase, the opening of the hydraulic exhaust and then, in a second phase, the closing of the hydraulic exhaust.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the hydraulic connection system further includes an accumulator disposed downstream of the hydraulic exhaust.

[0017] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a hydraulic connector comprising all the characteristics of the first hydraulic connector of such a hydraulic connection system.

[0018] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a hydraulic connection or disconnection method in which, having a first hydraulic connector and a second hydraulic connector, and having a mechanical connection assistance system, the mechanical connection assistance system comprising a first and a second device mechanical devices carried respectively by one and the other of the first and second hydraulic connectors, the first mechanical device comprising an actuation control element, and cooperating mechanically with the second mechanical device such that an actuation of the actuation control element by an operator generates a relative movement of the first and second hydraulic connectors between a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first hydraulic connector comprising at least one first hydraulic coupler, the second hydraulic connector comprising at least one second hydraulic coupler, each hydraulic coupler comprising an external skirt and an internal plug defining between them a hydraulic chamber, the internal plug and the corresponding external skirt being mounted axially movable relative to each other between a closed configuration where they cooperate in a sealed manner so as to close the chamber, and an open configuration in which the chamber is open, the internal plug and the corresponding external skirt being stressed relative to each other towards the closed configuration in the disconnected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first and second hydraulic couplers being placed, in the connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, in an open configuration to allow circulation of hydraulic fluid between the first and second hydraulic connectors, at least one external skirt comprising a hydraulic exhaust,and the hydraulic connection system further comprising a shut-off pin synchronized to the actuation control member adapted to alternately open or close the hydraulic exhaust during the actuation of the actuation control member, An operator activates the actuation control device in such a way as to generate, in a synchronized manner: - a relative movement of the first and second hydraulic connectors between a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system and - the opening and / or closing of the hydraulic exhaust by a sealing pin. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0020] [Fig.1] schematically represents a system equipped with a hydraulic connection system according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view representing a second connector hydraulic according to a first embodiment.

[0022] [Fig.3] is the same cross-sectional view as [Fig.2] for a first connector additional hydraulics of the second hydraulic connector of the first embodiment.

[0023] [Fig.4] is the same cross-sectional view as Figures 2 and 3 representing the system of hydraulic connection comprising the first and second hydraulic connectors of figures 2 and 3, respectively, in disconnected configuration.

[0024] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view, in a plane parallel to the plane of [Fig.4], of the hydraulic connection system comprising the first and second hydraulic connectors of figures 2 and 3, respectively, in disconnected configuration.

[0025] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of an example of a connection assistance mechanism in disconnected configuration.

[0026] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view in the plane of Figures 4 and 5 of the first hydraulic connector.

[0027] [Fig.8] is the same view as [Fig.6], in the connected configuration of the system of hydraulic connection.

[0028] [Fig.9] is the same view as [Fig.4] in the intermediate configuration of the [Fig.8].

[0029] [Fig. 10] is the same view as Figures 4 and 9 in the connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system.

[0030] [Fig. 11] is a hydraulic diagram of another embodiment.

[0031] In the drawings, identical references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The invention relates to a hydraulic connection system 1 comprising a first hydraulic connector 2 and a second hydraulic connector 3.

[0033] To illustrate, the first hydraulic connector 2 can be mounted on a motorized vehicle 4, such as a tractor, equipped with a hydraulic fluid reservoir 5 (shown schematically in [Fig. 1]), and the second hydraulic connector 3 can be mounted on a removable tool 6 intended for use on the vehicle 4. Thus, the vehicle 4 can be assembled with the tool 6, and the tool 6 can be hydraulically controlled from the vehicle 4. The tool 6 can then be disassembled from the vehicle 4, for example, for maintenance purposes, or to use the vehicle 4 with another hydraulic tool. The tool 6 could be, for example, a clamp.

[0034] As shown in [Fig. 3], the first hydraulic connector 2 comprises a housing 7. The description will be given here with reference to a longitudinal axis X corresponding to the connection direction of the first and second hydraulic connectors 2, 3, also called the "longitudinal direction." Directions transverse to the longitudinal direction are called "transverse directions." The first hydraulic connector 2 defines a plurality of hydraulic passages 8, in this case two hydraulic passages 8a and 8b. The hydraulic passages are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis X. They extend along this axis from a rear end 9 of the hydraulic connector 2 to a front end 10 located opposite the rear end, and opening onto a connection face 11 of the first hydraulic connector 2. Within the scope of the invention, the number and arrangement of the hydraulic passages may vary..

[0035] The first hydraulic connector 2 includes hydraulic couplers, referred to herein as first hydraulic couplers 12. These couplers are referred to as "first" because they are part of the first connector 2. There are as many hydraulic couplers as there are hydraulic passages 8. Each hydraulic coupler 12 associated with a hydraulic passage 8 is designated using the same suffix "a", "b" as the corresponding hydraulic passage 8a, 8b. The hydraulic coupler 12a includes an outer skirt 13 and an inner plug 14. The inner plug 14 is integral with the housing 7. The skirt 13 is called "outer" and the plug 14 "inner" because the skirt radially surrounds the plug. The outer skirt 13 is movable relative to the plug 14, between a closed position, visible in the [Fig.[3], in which it cooperates with the plug 14 to close the hydraulic chamber 15 defined between the outer skirt 13 and the inner plug 14, and an open position, visible in Figures 9 and following, where the chamber 15 is open. The transition between the open and closed positions of the outer skirt 13 can be achieved by translation along the longitudinal axis. A return spring 61 forces the outer skirt 13 towards its closed position. In this position, as shown in [Fig. 3], the hydraulic connector 2 is sealed at the connection face 11, so that the first hydraulic connector 2 does not leak.

[0036] It should be noted that, within the framework of the invention, the hydraulic couplers of the first hydraulic connector are operated similarly in parallel. Thus, the description of one of the couplers of the first hydraulic connector, in terms of construction and kinematics, also applies to the other hydraulic couplers of the first hydraulic connector.

[0037] As seen in [Fig. 2], the second hydraulic connector 3 comprises a housing 16. The second hydraulic connector 3 defines a plurality of hydraulic passages 17. The number of hydraulic passages 17 of the second connector The number of hydraulic passages 3 is identical to the number of hydraulic passages 8 of the first hydraulic connector 2, namely two hydraulic passages 17a and 17b. The hydraulic passages are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis X. They extend along this axis from a rear end 18 of the second hydraulic connector 3 to a front end 19 located opposite the rear end, and opening at a connection face 20 of the second hydraulic connector 3. Each hydraulic passage 17 of the second hydraulic connector 3 is associated with a respective hydraulic passage 8 of the first hydraulic connector 2.

[0038] The second hydraulic connector 3 includes hydraulic couplers, referred to herein as second hydraulic couplers 21. These couplers are referred to as "second" because they are part of the second connector 3. There are as many hydraulic couplers as there are hydraulic passages 17. Each hydraulic coupler 21 associated with a hydraulic passage 17 is designated using the same suffix "a", "b" as the corresponding hydraulic passage 17a, 17b. The hydraulic coupler 21a includes an external skirt 22 integral with, in particular formed by, the housing 16, and an internal plug 23. The skirt 22 is called "external" and the plug 23 "internal" because the skirt radially surrounds the plug. The internal plug 23 is movable relative to the external skirt 22, between a closed position, visible in the [Fig.[2], in which it cooperates with the outer skirt 22 to close the hydraulic chamber 24 defined between the outer skirt 22 and the inner plug 23, and an open position, visible in the following figures, where the chamber 24 is open. The transition between the open and closed positions of the inner plug 23 can be achieved by translation along the longitudinal axis. A return spring 62 forces the inner plug 23 towards its closed position. In this position, as shown in [Fig. 2], the hydraulic connector 3 is sealed at the connection face 20, so that the second hydraulic connector 3 does not leak.

[0039] It should be noted that, within the framework of the invention, the hydraulic couplers of the second hydraulic connector are operated similarly in parallel. Thus, the description of one of the couplers of the second hydraulic connector, in terms of construction and kinematics, also applies to the other hydraulic couplers of the second hydraulic connector.

[0040] Before connecting the hydraulic system, the first and second hydraulic connectors 2 and 3 face each other. One of the housings may be a male housing, and the other may be a female housing, and these have complementary shapes, so that one housing is inserted into the other housing during hydraulic connection. Similarly, the connection faces 11 and 20 of the first and second hydraulic connectors 2 and 3, respectively, face each other. Each first coupler 12 has a front face 25, each second coupler 21 has a front face 26, and the front faces 25, 26 of a first and second couplers associated with each other face each other.

[0041] The hydraulic connection system 1 also includes a mechanical connection assistance system 27. As can be seen, for example, in [Fig. 6], this mechanical connection assistance system 27 comprises a first mechanical device 28 carried by the first hydraulic connector 2 and a second mechanical device 29 carried by the second hydraulic connector 3. The first and second mechanical devices 28, 29 cooperate mechanically during the connection of the first and second hydraulic connectors 2, 3 so as to assist the movement of these two connectors 2, 3 towards each other. For example, the first mechanical device 28 includes a cam 30 pivotally mounted on the housing 7 of the first hydraulic connector 2, and having a cam surface 31 cooperating with a cam follower 32, for example a pin, integral with the housing 16 of the second hydraulic connector 3.The mechanical connection assistance system 27 further includes an actuation control element 33, for example a lever, actuable by a user, to cause the rotation of the cam 30 relative to the housing 7 of the first hydraulic connector 2. Thus, when the cam 30 is engaged with the cam follower 32, the rotation of the lever causes the cooperation of the cam follower with the cam, and thereby brings the two hydraulic connectors 2, 3 closer together.

[0042] Other mechanisms are conceivable, such as a rack and pinion system.

[0043] As also visible in [Fig.4], at least one of the external skirts 13 of the first hydraulic connector 2 and, in this case, each of these skirts, includes a hydraulic exhaust 34. The hydraulic exhaust 34 includes a channel, a first end 35 of which opens into the hydraulic chamber 15, and the second end 36 is hydraulically connected to a low-pressure return line in the direction of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 5.

[0044] A valve 37, or check valve, is disposed in the hydraulic exhaust 34. The valve 37 can alternately assume an open configuration, in which the hydraulic exhaust 34 is open and allows hydraulic fluid to flow, or a closed configuration, in which the hydraulic exhaust 34 is closed, and hydraulic flow through the hydraulic exhaust 34 is prohibited. By default, the hydraulic exhaust 34 is in its closed configuration, thus maintaining hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber 15. The valve 37 includes a cylindrical skirt 41 defining an internal passage 42. The hydraulic exhaust 34 includes a channel 43 passing through the skirt 41, one end of which is hydraulically connected to chamber 15, and the other opposite end opens into internal passage 42. A sealing pin 39 is movably mounted in internal passage 42 between a first position, referred to as "open", corresponding to the open configuration of the hydraulic exhaust, and a second position, referred to as "closed", shown in [Fig. 7], corresponding to the closed configuration of the hydraulic exhaust 34. In this second position, the sealing pin 39 is actuated by a return spring 38 in tight contact with a seat 40 of the skirt 41. More precisely, the sealing pin 39 comprises a wide head 44 and a narrow body 45 extending from the head to an opposite end 46 which protrudes from the skirt 41.

[0045] Thus, as can be seen in [Fig.7], the hydraulic exhaust 34 comprises a channel 47 disposed in the skirt 13, a channel 48 disposed in the housing 7, the channel 43 disposed in the skirt 41, and the passage 42 hydraulically connected to each other.

[0046] The first hydraulic connector 2 also includes an actuation system 49 adapted to move the hydraulic exhaust 34 from its closed to its open configuration. The actuation system 49 is particularly visible in [Fig. 5]. The actuation system 49 includes a passage 50 in which an actuator 51 is movable, for example, sliding. The actuation system 49 is synchronized with the actuation control member 33. For example, the actuation system 49 includes a cam 53 fixed to the actuation control member 33. Thus, actuation of the actuation control member 33 causes the cam 53 to move, in particular rotate about an axis transverse to the longitudinal direction. The axis of rotation of the cam 53 corresponds to the axis of rotation of the lever 23. A return spring 52 forces the actuator 51 in the direction of the cam 53.Thus, the actuator 51 is continuously in contact with the cam 53. The cam 53 has a profile configured so that its rotation around the pivot axis displaces the actuator 51 according to its degree of freedom.

[0047] As also visible in [Fig. 5], the actuator 51 also includes a first actuating portion 54 which cooperates with the end 46 of the sealing pin 39, so that a displacement of the actuator 51 moves the sealing pin 39 against the force exerted by the return spring 38. According to one example, the actuator 51 thus includes a body 55 which includes a first end 56 in contact with the cam 53, a second opposite end 57 forced by the return spring 52, and a lateral fin 58, projecting from the body 55, forming said first actuating portion 54, and cooperating with said end 46 of the sealing pin 39.

[0048] The sealing pin 39 and the actuator 51 are positioned and dimensioned so that the movement of the actuator 51 moves the sealing pin 39 from its closed position to its open position, and thus the valve 37, and therefore the exhaust 34, from its closed position to its open position.

[0049] Thus, as can be seen in figures 4 to 7, before connection, the shutter pin 39 is in the closed position. During connection, the user actuates the lever of the actuation control member 33, causing the cam surface 31 to begin cooperating with the cam follower 32, thus bringing the first and second hydraulic connectors 2 and 3 closer together. Simultaneously, the rotation of the lever causes the cam 53 to rotate, which in turn causes the actuator 51 to move within the passage 50 against the force exerted by the return spring 52. During this movement, the vanes 58 of the actuator 51 cooperate with the end 46 of the sealing pin 39, and the sealing pin 39 is moved within the internal passage 42 against the force exerted by the return spring 38.The hydraulic exhaust 34 then changes from its closed configuration to an open configuration, in which the hydraulic fluid is free to escape from chamber 15. More specifically, in the embodiment presented, the hydraulic fluid flows from chamber 15 through channels 47, 48, passage 42 and passage 50 towards a hydraulic fluid reservoir. Thus, the pressure in chamber 15 is lowered.

[0050] During the continued actuation of the control member 33, as seen in [Fig. 9], the continued approach of the first and second hydraulic connectors 2, 3 causes the couplers 12 and 21 to come into contact. During the continued actuation of the control member 33, as seen in [Fig. 10], the skirt 22 of the second hydraulic connector 3 cooperates in a sealed manner with the skirt 13 of the first hydraulic connector, and the skirt 22 of the second connector pushes back the skirt 13 of the first connector by compressing the return spring 61.The plug 14 of the coupler 12 of the first hydraulic connector 2 pushes back the plug 23 of the coupler 21 of the second hydraulic connector 3, against the elastic force exerted by the return spring 62 on it, so as to allow the passage of hydraulic fluid between a radially external skirt formed by the skirts 13 and 22 and the two radially internal plugs 14, 23, which bear against each other. Thanks to the decompression achieved via the hydraulic exhaust 34 in the chamber 15, the remaining hydraulic fluid is free to flow into the chamber 15, and the mechanical connection of the hydraulic connectors is less hindered by the residual hydraulic pressure in the connectors.

[0051] At the same time, the cam 53 allows the actuator 51 to move back to its initial position under the effect of the return spring 52, and the return springs 38 push the sealing pins 39 back towards the closed configuration of the hydraulic exhaust 34. Thus, the hydraulic exhaust 34 is closed.

[0052] As shown in [Fig.8], in this position, the cam surface 31a cooperated with the cam follower 32 so as to bring the first and second hydraulic connectors 2 and 3 closer together.

[0053] During subsequent use of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic fluid commanded to flow into the hydraulic passages 8 does not flow through the hydraulic exhaust 34, but flows in the direction of the corresponding passage 17 in the connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system.

[0054] More specifically, according to a first embodiment, under control via a control system 63, the pump 60 generates the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid through the first passages 8a and 17a, while the second passages 8b and 17b form a low-pressure return line to the hydraulic fluid reservoir. Alternatively, depending on the controlled actuation, the pump may generate the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid through the second passages 8b and 17b, while the first passages 8a and 17a form a low-pressure return line to the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

[0055] The hydraulic connection system can be disconnected by a reverse sequence of operations to the connection operations described above. During these operations, the hydraulic exhaust 34 is opened to allow the hydraulic fluid contained in the chamber 15 to exit, thus facilitating subsequent mechanical connection, and is then closed.

[0056] Alternatively or in addition, the hydraulic exhausts 34 could be provided in the second hydraulic connector 3.

[0057] According to the embodiment just described, a hydraulic line is provided connecting the outlet of the hydraulic exhaust 34 to the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

[0058] According to an alternative embodiment, as shown in [Fig. 11], an additional line connecting the first connector 2 to the reservoir 5 is not used. This embodiment uses an accumulator 59 downstream of the passages 50. Thus, during decompression, the hydraulic fluid escaping via the exhaust 34 accumulates in the accumulator 59. When the tool is actuation, assuming, for example, that couplers 8a and 21a are located in the high-pressure channel, and that couplers 8b and 21b are located in the low-pressure return channel, the pressure in the accumulator 59 is higher than this low pressure, so that the hydraulic fluid can flow from the accumulator 59 to the reservoir 5 via The exhaust 34 through the non-return valve Cl on the low-pressure side. When the tool is actuation, assuming for example that couplers 8b and 21b are arranged in the high-pressure channel, and that couplers 8a and 21a are arranged in the low-pressure return channel, the pressure in the accumulator 59 is greater than this low pressure, so that the hydraulic fluid can flow from the accumulator 59 to the reservoir 5 via the exhaust 34 through the non-return valve C2 on the low-pressure side. List of reference signs

[0059] 1: Hydraulic connection system

[0060] 2: First hydraulic connector

[0061] 3: Second hydraulic connector

[0062] 4: Motorized rolling unit

[0063] 5: Hydraulic fluid reservoir

[0064] 6: Tool

[0065] 7: Housing

[0066] 8: Hydraulic passages

[0067] 9: Rear end

[0068] 10: Front end

[0069] 11: Connection face

[0070] 12: Hydraulic coupler

[0071] 13: Skirt

[0072] 14: Plug

[0073] 15: Chamber

[0074] 16: Housing

[0075] 17: Hydraulic passages

[0076] 18: Rear end

[0077] 19: Front end

[0078] 20: Connection face

[0079] 21: Second hydraulic coupler

[0080] 22: Outer skirt

[0081] 23: Plug

[0082] 24: Hydraulic chamber

[0083] 25, 26: Front face

[0084] 27: Mechanical connection assistance system

[0085] 28, 29: First and second mechanical devices

[0086] 30: Cam

[0087] 31: Cam surface

[0088] 32: cam follower

[0089] 33: actuation control element

[0090] 34: hydraulic exhaust

[0091] 35: first extremity

[0092] 36: second extremity

[0093] 37: valve

[0094] 38: return spring

[0095] 39: shutter pin

[0096] 40: seat

[0097] 41: skirt

[0098] 42: internal passage

[0099] 43: channel

[0100] 44: head

[0101] 45: body

[0102] 46: extremity

[0103] 47: channel

[0104] 48: channel

[0105] 49: actuation system

[0106] 50: passage

[0107] 51: actuator

[0108] 52: return spring

[0109] 53 :came

[0110] 54: actuation portion [YES] 55: body

[0112] 56, 57: 1°, 2° extremities

[0113] 5 8: lateral fin

[0114] 59: accumulator

[0115] 60: pump

[0116] 61, 62: return spring

[0117] 63: control system

Claims

1. Demands Hydraulic connection system comprising a first hydraulic connector (2) and a second hydraulic connector (3), the hydraulic connection system comprising a mechanical connection assistance system (27), the mechanical connection assistance system (27) comprising a first and a second mechanical devices (28, 29) carried respectively by one and the other of the first and second hydraulic connectors (2, 3), the first mechanical device (28) comprising an actuation control member (33), and cooperating mechanically with the second mechanical device (29) such that an actuation of the actuation control member (33) by an operator generates a relative movement of the first and second hydraulic connectors (2, 3) between a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first hydraulic connector (2) comprising at least a first hydraulic coupler (8a, 8b),the second hydraulic connector (3) comprising at least one second hydraulic coupler (21a, 21b), each hydraulic coupler (8, 21) comprising an outer skirt (13, 22) and an inner plug (14, 23) defining between them a hydraulic chamber (15, 24), the inner plug (14, 23) and the corresponding outer skirt (13, 22) being mounted axially movable relative to each other between a closed configuration where they cooperate in a sealed manner with each other so as to close the chamber (15, 24), and an open configuration in which the chamber (15, 24) is open, the corresponding inner plug (14, 23) and outer skirt (13, 22) being forced relative to each other towards the closed configuration in the disconnected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first and second hydraulic couplers (8, 21) being placed, in the connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system,in open configuration to allow hydraulic fluid circulation between the first and second hydraulic connectors (2, 3), Characterized in that at least one outer skirt (13, 22) includes a hydraulic exhaust (34), and in that the hydraulic connection system further includes a sealing pin (39) synchronized with the actuation control member (33) adapted to open and / or close the hydraulic exhaust (34) during the actuation of the actuation control member (33).

2. Hydraulic connection system according to claim 1, wherein the first hydraulic connector (2) comprises at least two first hydraulic couplers (8a, 8b), wherein the second hydraulic connector (3) comprises at least two second hydraulic couplers (21a, 21b), and wherein a first pair of first and second hydraulic couplers (8a, 21a) form a high-pressure side of the hydraulic connection system, and a second pair of first and second hydraulic couplers (8b, 21b) form a low-pressure side of the hydraulic connection system.

3. Hydraulic connection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation control member (33) is integral with a cam formed to move the sealing pin (39) against the excitation of an excitation member (38).

4. Hydraulic connection system according to claim 3, wherein said cam is adapted to move an actuator (51) against the excitation of an excitation member (38), said actuator (51) being adapted to move at least two sealing pins (39) each associated with a respective coupler (8a, 8b).

5. Hydraulic connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing pin (39) is synchronized with the actuating control member (33) such that a passage of the actuating control member (33) from a first position corresponding to the disconnected configuration of the first and second hydraulic connectors to a second position corresponding to the connected configuration of the first and second hydraulic connectors causes, in a first phase, the opening of the hydraulic exhaust (34) and then, in a second phase, the closing of the hydraulic exhaust (34).

6. Hydraulic connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an accumulator (59) disposed downstream of the hydraulic exhaust (34).

7. A hydraulic connection or disconnection method wherein, having a first hydraulic connector (2) and a second hydraulic connector (3), having a mechanical connection assistance system (27), the mechanical connection assistance system (27) comprising a first and a second mechanical devices (28, 29) carried respectively by one and the other of the first and second hydraulic connectors (2, 3), the first mechanical device (28) comprising an actuating control member (33), and cooperating mechanically with the second mechanical device (29) such that an actuation of the actuating control member (33) by an operator generates a relative movement of the first and second hydraulic connectors (2, 3) between a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first hydraulic connector (2) comprising at least one first hydraulic coupler (8a,8b), the second hydraulic connector (3) comprising at least one second hydraulic coupler (21a, 21b), each hydraulic coupler (8, 21) comprising an outer skirt (13, 22) and an inner plug (14, 23) defining between them a hydraulic chamber (15, 24), the inner plug (14, 23) and the corresponding outer skirt (13, 22) being mounted axially movable relative to each other between a closed configuration where they cooperate in a sealed manner so as to close the chamber (15, 24), and an open configuration in which the chamber (15, 24) is open, the corresponding inner plug (14, 23) and outer skirt (13, 22) being forced relative to each other towards the closed configuration in the disconnected configuration of the hydraulic connection system, the first and second hydraulic couplers (8, 21) being placed, in the connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system,in an open configuration to allow hydraulic fluid circulation between the first and second hydraulic connectors (2, 3), at least one external skirt (13, 22) including a hydraulic exhaust (34), and the hydraulic connection system further including a synchronized sealing pin (39), to the actuation control element (33) adapted to alternately open or close the hydraulic exhaust (34) during the actuation of the actuation control element (33), An operator actuates the actuation control device (33) so as to generate, in a synchronized manner: - a relative movement of the first and second hydraulic connectors (2, 3) between a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration of the hydraulic connection system and - the opening and / or closing of the hydraulic exhaust (34) by a sealing pin (39).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    EP1657481B1