Integrated drainage system of an oleodynamic fluid for a group of hydraulic blocks for quick couplings

Abstract

The present invention concerns a hydraulic group comprising a plurality of hydraulic blocks (3) and further comprises an integrated drainage system (1 ) of an oleodynamic fluid, each of said hydraulic blocks (3) comprising at least one drainage line (30, 30a) for said oleodynamic fluid. According to the invention, the hydraulic group comprises a drainage system (1 ) which in turn comprises at least one hydraulic fitting (10) configured to connect in series, and sealingly, a drainage line (30, 30a) of a first hydraulic block (3) with a drainage line (30, 30a) of a second hydraulic block (3).

Description

[0001] INTEGRATED DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF AN OLEODYNAMIC FLUID FOR A GROUP OF HYDRAULIC BLOCKS FOR QUICK COUPLINGS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns an integrated drainage system of an oleodynamic fluid for a group of hydraulic blocks for quick couplings for pressurized fluids, capable of preventing accidental detachments, leaks of oleodynamic fluid and of minimizing encumbrances.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Hydraulic blocks adapted to accommodate quick couplings, usually female couplings or cartridges, to connect the on-board hydraulic circuit of an operating machine to the hydraulic circuit of mobile hydraulic equipment, or users, are known from the state of the art. An example of the use of these hydraulic connection blocks is that of earthmoving machines, such as excavators or the like, or agricultural machines, such as tractors or the like. These machines, in fact, are provided with an on-board hydraulic circuit for operating the machine's parts, and normally have the possibility of connecting the on-board circuit to mobile oleodynamic equipment, such as pneumatic drills, milling cutters, lifting blades, by means of hoses and quick couplings, possibly of the cartridge type.

[0006] As is known, a hydraulic block is formed by a main body having a plurality of seats adapted to accommodate each female coupling, or cartridge, respectively for hydraulic connection to an oil delivery line from the machine to the user and to a return line from the user to the machine. The main body is formed by a block, generally made of cast iron, has side faces and a front portion from which the seats for the quick couplings face outwards.

[0007] It is also known that a plurality of hydraulic blocks can be mounted side by side, thus defining a hydraulic group comprising a plurality of hydraulic blocks. Figure 1 , depicting an example belonging to the state of the art, illustrates an on-board hydraulic circuit A of an operating machine, to which a hydraulic group comprising five hydraulic blocks B1 -B5 is connected, which are intended to be connected to as many users or to as many commands for one or more users.

[0008] The hydraulic groups thus defined generally also comprise an external oleodynamic fluid drainage system. Such a drainage system is indicated with C in figure 1 , and comprises an exhaust manifold C6 towards a collection tank C7, as well as a plurality of exhaust ducts C1 -C5, each associated with a respective hydraulic block B1 -B5 and each adapted to drain the oleodynamic fluid of the respective hydraulic block B1 -B5 towards the exhaust manifold C6. The exhaust ducts C1 -C5 and the manifold C6 generally consist of rubber hoses.

[0009] The oleodynamic fluid is drained every time a coupling of a user is connected or disconnected to / from the hydraulic block, whether this is done manually or through a lever.

[0010] Such drainage systems of known type are not free from drawbacks, among which it should be mentioned that they are often subject to leaks of the oleodynamic fluid, in particular at the points for fixing the exhaust ducts to the hydraulic blocks.

[0011] Another drawback of such drainage systems of known type consists in the fact that they have significant encumbrances, in particular with the increase in the number of hydraulic blocks present in the hydraulic group, and also for this reason they are often subject to accidental uncoupling during normal handling that takes place in the field.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In light of the above, the task of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic group comprising a plurality of hydraulic blocks each adapted to house one or more female quick couplings for pressurized fluids adapted to connect a machine-side hydraulic line to a user-side hydraulic line, and each comprising therein one or more drainage lines for draining the oil from said quick couplings, said hydraulic group comprising a drainage system adapted to hydraulically connect together internal drainage lines to said hydraulic blocks.

[0014] Within the scope of this task, it is an object of the present invention to realize a drainage system that has reduced encumbrances compared to the drainage systems known from the state of the art.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to realize a drainage system that drastically reduces, or even eliminates, the risks of being detached from the hydraulic blocks, or in any case damaged, during normal use of the machines on which it is installed.

[0016] A further object of the invention is to realize a drainage system that drastically reduces, or even eliminates, oleodynamic fluid leaks.

[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to realize a drainage system that is easy to realize and install in hydraulic block groups, even if they already exist, and that is also economically competitive when compared to the prior art.

[0018] The task set out above, as well as the aforementioned purposes and others that will become clearer later, are achieved by a hydraulic group comprising a group of hydraulic blocks according to claim 1 .

[0019] Other features are provided in the dependent claims.

[0020] LIST OF FIGURES

[0021] Further characteristics and advantages will become more apparent from the exemplary but non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] - figure 1 shows an example of a group of hydraulic blocks equipped with a drainage system of known type;

[0023] - figure 2 is an exploded view of a group of three hydraulic blocks in which a drainage system according to the invention is installed;

[0024] - figure 3 is a perspective view of a component of the drainage system of figure 2;

[0025] - figure 4 is a side sectional view of a hydraulic block in which a drainage system according to the invention is installed;

[0026] - figure 5 is a sectional view of the hydraulic block depicted in figure 4 taken along the V-V axis.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] With particular reference to the figures, the hydraulic group comprising a drainage system of an oleodynamic fluid according to the present invention, globally indicated with the reference numeral 1 , is adapted to drain the oleodynamic fluid present in a plurality of hydraulic blocks 3 forming part of a group comprising a plurality of hydraulic blocks 3. A group comprising a plurality of hydraulic blocks 3 may for example comprise all the hydraulic blocks connected to a particular on-board hydraulic circuit of an operating machine.

[0029] According to what is visible in particular in figures 2 and 3, each of said hydraulic blocks 3 comprises at least one drainage line 30, 30a for draining the oleodynamic fluid.

[0030] Said drainage line 30, 30a is advantageously obtained in the body 34, preferably made of cast iron, of each hydraulic block 3.

[0031] According to the invention, the drainage system 1 comprises at least one hydraulic fitting 10 configured to connect in series, and sealingly, a drainage line 30, 30a of a first hydraulic block 3 with a drainage line 30, 30a of a second hydraulic block 3.

[0032] Advantageously, the connection in series of two or more drainage lines 30, 30a belonging to two or more respective hydraulic blocks 3, by means of one or more hydraulic fittings 10, allows to avoid the connection in parallel of the drainage lines of the two or more hydraulic blocks 3 by means of an exhaust manifold, thus fulfilling the task and purposes set forth by the invention.

[0033] Preferably, the drainage system 1 comprises, for each drainage line 30, 30a connected in series:

[0034] - a single exhaust duct 12, 12a configured to be associated with one end of the drainage line 30, 30a of a first hydraulic block 3;

[0035] - a single cap 14, 14a configured to be associated with one end of the drainage line 30, 30a of a second hydraulic block 3;

[0036] - a number of hydraulic fittings 10 equal to “n-1” where “n” is the total number of hydraulic blocks 3 forming part of said group of hydraulic blocks 3, where these hydraulic fittings 10 are configured to connect together in series the remaining ends of the drainage lines 30, 32 of the hydraulic blocks 3 present in the group.

[0037] Preferably, each of the hydraulic blocks 3 comprises at least one drainage line 30 for a machine-side oleodynamic fluid and at least one drainage line 30a for a user-, or equipment, side oleodynamic fluid, distinct from each other.

[0038] The drainage of the oleodynamic fluid occurs in particular every time a coupling of a user is disconnected from a respective hydraulic block 3, whether this is done manually, or through a lever, due to the decompression that is generated in the pressure line of the oleodynamic fluid inside the hydraulic block 3.

[0039] In particular, a machine-side first drainage line 30 allows the drainage of the oleodynamic fluid (e.g., oil) present in the machine-side hydraulic block 3, that is, in the area of the hydraulic block 3 that is located at the rear of the quick coupling 40. This oil, thanks to a decompression that occurs in the hydraulic block 3, can be reintroduced into the hydraulic circuit on-board the machine, as it is so-called “clean” oil, since it has not come into contact with the user.

[0040] Conversely, a second drainage line 30a, on the user side and therefore anteriorly with respect to the first drainage line 30, allows the drainage of the oleodynamic fluid (e.g., oil) present in the hydraulic block 3, on the user side. The terms “front” and “rear” refer to the block facing towards the machine, rear area of the block, or towards the user, front area of the block from which the quick coupling 40 faces. This oil can be contaminated by soil or water or dirt, in general, and is therefore called “dirty” oil, and is discharged from the front.

[0041] Preferably, in this case, the drainage system 1 comprises: - at least one machine-side first hydraulic fitting 10 configured to connect in series, and sealingly, a machine-side drainage line 30 of a first hydraulic block 3 with a machine-side drainage line 30 of a second hydraulic block 3;

[0042] - at least one second user-side hydraulic fitting 10 configured to connect in series, and sealingly, a user-side drainage line 30a of a first hydraulic block 3 with a user-side drainage line 30a of a second hydraulic block 3.

[0043] In the example illustrated in figure 2, the group of hydraulic blocks comprises three hydraulic blocks 3 and each hydraulic block 3 comprises two distinct drainage lines indicated with 30 and 30a, where the line 30 is the machine-side oleodynamic fluid drainage line and the line 30a is the user-side oleodynamic fluid drainage line.

[0044] Each drainage line 30, 30a internally runs through the hydraulic block 3 and comprises at least one section arranged transversely to the axial direction of the female couplings 40 inserted therein, and comprises a first end and a second end, each of said ends facing outwards of the block 3 at opposite side faces of the block 3 itself.

[0045] The drainage system 1 therefore comprises a first exhaust duct 12 associated with the left-hand hydraulic block 3 and hydraulically connected to the first drainage line 30, and a second exhaust duct 12a, also associated with the left-hand hydraulic block 3 and hydraulically connected to the second drainage line 30a. These first 12 and second 12a exhaust ducts are therefore associated with one end of the respective drainage line 30, 30a of the left-hand hydraulic block 3.

[0046] The drainage system 1 preferably further comprises a cap 14 for closing one end of the first drainage line 30 of the right-hand hydraulic block 3, and a second cap 14a for closing one end of the second drainage line 30a also present in the right-hand hydraulic block 3.

[0047] The free ends of the two drainage lines 30, 30a of the right and left-hand hydraulic blocks 3 are then connected, by means of two pairs of hydraulic fittings 10, to the opposite ends of the two drainage lines 30, 30a present in the hydraulic block 3 in the middle.

[0048] In this way, the drainage system 1 comprises a first drainage circuit connecting in series first drainage lines 30 of the hydraulic blocks 3, and a second drainage circuit connecting in series second drainage lines 30a of the same hydraulic blocks 3.

[0049] Preferably, each hydraulic fitting 10 comprises a first end 100 configured to engage in a drainage line 30, 30a of a first hydraulic block 3 and a second end 101 configured to engage in a drainage line 30, 30a of a second hydraulic block 3 adjacent to said first hydraulic block 3.

[0050] In this way, the connection in series of the drainage lines between two blocks 3 takes place with as little encumbrance as possible.

[0051] In particular, as illustrated in figure 5, when the two adjacent blocks 3 are also contiguous, that is, they are placed in contact with each other with respect to side faces thereof, the hydraulic fitting 10 turns out to have a substantially null encumbrance within the group of hydraulic blocks 3.

[0052] Preferably, the hydraulic fitting 10 comprises, at the first end 100 and at the second end 101 respective seal gaskets 102, 103. Such gaskets 102, 103 may be of the o- ring type and advantageously avoid the leakage of oleodynamic fluid at the coupling between the drainage lines 30, 30a and the ends 100, 101 of the hydraulic fittings 10. Preferably, the hydraulic fitting 10 comprises, at the first end 100 and at the second end 101 , respective annular grooves 104, 105 housing the aforementioned gaskets 102, 103.

[0053] Preferably, the hydraulic fitting 10 comprises a first end 100 having a substantially partially spherical shape, and a second end 101 also having a substantially partially spherical shape.

[0054] Advantageously, the spherical shape of the ends 100, 101 of the hydraulic fitting 10 allows the coupling thereof to be adapted to the two respective hydraulic blocks 3, compensating for any positioning play.

[0055] Preferably, the annular grooves 104, 105 are obtained at a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal development axis of the hydraulic fitting 10 and passing through the centre of the sphere circumscribed to the spherical shape assumed by the ends 100, 101 of the hydraulic fitting 10.

[0056] The present invention also concerns a hydraulic group comprising a plurality of hydraulic blocks 3 each adapted to house one or more female quick couplings 40 for pressurized fluids and each comprising therein one or more drainage lines 30, 30a for draining the oil and equipped with a drainage system 1 as described hereinbefore. The operation of the drainage system according to the present invention is clear and evident from what has been described.

[0057] In particular, the hydraulic fittings 10 according to the present invention allow to connect in series the drainage lines 30, 30a of the single hydraulic blocks 3, so that the oleodynamic fluid arriving at the hydraulic blocks 3 can be discharged outwards from only one point of the group of hydraulic blocks 3, specifically from the end of the drainage lines 30, 30a of only one of the hydraulic blocks 3, in figure 2 the block on the far left.

[0058] Advantageously, the hydraulic block 3 can comprise a special duct configured for reusing the oleodynamic fluid on the machine side (e.g., “clean” oil).

[0059] In the simplest versions of hydraulic blocks 3, the oleodynamic fluid drained from the machine-side first drainage line 30 is collected in a normal container and, since it is “clean”, can be reused, while the oleodynamic fluid drained from the user-side second drainage line 30a is collected in a normal container and, since it is “dirty”, must then be appropriately disposed of.

[0060] In practice, it has been found that the hydraulic group provided with a drainage system according to the present invention fulfils the task as well as the purposes set as it allows to improve the reliability and safety of the connection of the drainage lines of the various hydraulic blocks belonging to the same hydraulic group.

[0061] Another advantage of the hydraulic group with drainage system, according to the invention, consists in the fact that the connection in series of the drainage lines of the hydraulic blocks allows to reduce the encumbrance of the drainage system itself, and also to place it mainly in protected areas of the hydraulic group itself, for example between two adjacent hydraulic blocks. The compactness and protection given to the drainage system, according to the invention, prevent the accidental detachments that often afflict the drainage systems of the solutions belonging to the state of the art, which provide exhaust manifolds and various rubber exhaust hoses that can be easily hit, grabbed and pulled during normal use of the agricultural and / or earthmoving machine.

[0062] A further advantage of the drainage system, according to the invention, consists in the fact of guaranteeing an optimal seal of the oleodynamic fluid between the various hydraulic blocks, thanks to the compactness of the hydraulic fittings and thanks to the particular shape of their coupling ends with the hydraulic blocks.

[0063] The drainage system of an oleodynamic fluid for a group of hydraulic blocks thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0064] Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, any materials can be used according to requirements, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, the dimensions and the contingent shapes.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Hydraulic group comprising a plurality of hydraulic blocks (3) each of said hydraulic blocks (3) comprising one or more quick couplings (40) for pressurized fluids for the hydraulic connection of a user to a machine, each of said hydraulic blocks (3) comprising therein at least one drainage line (30, 30a) for an oleodynamic fluid, characterized in that it comprises a drainage system (1 ) for the oleodynamic fluid in turn comprising at least one hydraulic fitting (10) configured to connect in series, and sealingly, a drainage line (30, 30a) of a first hydraulic block (3) with a corresponding drainage line (30, 30a) of a second hydraulic block (3).

2. Hydraulic group according to claim 1 , wherein each of said drainage lines (30, 30a) internal to said hydraulic blocks (3) comprises at least one section arranged transversely to the axial direction of the female couplings (40) inserted therein, and comprises a first end and a second end, said ends facing outwards of the block (3) each at an opposite side face of the block (3) itself.

3. Hydraulic group according to the preceding claim, wherein said drainage lines (30, 30a) internally run through the hydraulic block (3) and have at least one transverse section with respect to the axial direction of the female couplings (40) inserted therein, so as to face outwards of the block (3) each at a side face thereof.

4. Hydraulic group according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises, for the connection of drainage lines (30, 30a) of adjacent hydraulic blocks (3), a number of hydraulic fittings (10) equal to “n-1” where “n” is the total number of hydraulic blocks (3) forming part of said group of hydraulic blocks (3), said hydraulic fittings (10) connecting together in series the drainage lines (30, 30a) of said hydraulic blocks (3).

5. Hydraulic group according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hydraulic fitting (10) comprises a first end (100) configured to engage in a drainage line (30, 30a) of a first hydraulic block (3) and a second end (101 ) configured to engage in a drainage line (30, 30a) of a second hydraulic block (3) adjacent to said first hydraulic block (3).

6. Hydraulic group according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises:- an exhaust duct (12, 12a) configured to be associated with a first end of said at least one drainage line (30, 30a) of a first hydraulic block (3);- a cap (14, 14a) of closure configured to be associated with a second end of said at least one drainage line (30, 30a) of a second hydraulic block (3);7. Hydraulic group according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic fitting (10) comprises, at said first end (100) and at said second end (101 ), respective seal gaskets (102, 103).

8. Hydraulic group according to the preceding claim, wherein said hydraulic fitting (10) comprises, at said first end (100) and at said second end (101 ) respective annular grooves (104, 105) housing said seal gaskets (102, 103).

9. Hydraulic group according to the preceding claim, wherein said hydraulic fitting (10) comprises a first end (100), configured to engage in a drainage line (30, 30a) of a first hydraulic block (3), having a substantially partially spherical shape, and a second end (101 ), configured to engage in a drainage line (30, 30a) of a second hydraulic block (3), also having a substantially spherical shape.

10. Hydraulic group according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each of said hydraulic blocks (3) comprises at least one drainage line (30) for a machine-side oleodynamic fluid, and at least one drainage line (30a) for a userside oleodynamic fluid, distinct from each other, and wherein at least one hydraulic fitting (10) is adapted to connect in series and sealingly a machine-side drainage line (30) of a first hydraulic block (3) with a machine-side drainage line (30) of a second hydraulic block (3), and at least one user-side hydraulic fitting (10) is adapted to connect in series and sealingly a user-side drainage line (30a) of a first hydraulic block (3) with a user-side drainage line (30a) of a second hydraulic block (3).

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