WO2024100347A1

WO2024100347A1 - Wheel motor pivot having an improved cover

Info

Publication number: WO2024100347A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/051736
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clément Philippe RECOURA
Original assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
Priority date: 2022-11-10
Filing date: 2023-11-06
Publication date: 2024-05-16
Also published as: FR3141970B1; FR3141970A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a fork (100) and a cover (300), the base (110) of the fork (100) defining a surface for connecting to a support member, the pivot axis (Z-Z) being in a pivot plane (Y-Y), the arm (120) comprising a plurality of housings (140), the cover (300) comprising a plurality of bores (340) that define, with the tapped holes (120), two sets of passages, the two housing assemblies defining a first position and a second position of the cover (300) relative to the fork (100), the cover (300) comprising a hydraulic duct (310) opening in a direction (V-V) that is inclined relative to the pivot axis (Z-Z), such that, in the first position and in the second position of the cover (300) relative to the fork (100), the hydraulic duct (310) is inclined at an angle greater than 10° relative to the pivot plane (Z-Z).

Description

PIVOT FOR WHEEL MOTOR WITH IMPROVED COVER

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pivots for hydraulic machines, in particular for driving steering bodies.

Prior art

[0002] The assembly of hydraulic machines to drive steering bodies such as steering wheels poses various problems, particularly in terms of integration and size.

[0003] Among the recurring problems, we can mention the problems linked to the integration of the different pipes between the chassis and a rotating joint formed in the pivot.

[0004] The present invention thus aims to respond at least partially to these problems.

Presentation of the invention

[0005] The present invention thus relates to an assembly comprising a fork and a cover, the fork comprising a base adapted to be assembled on a support, and two arms each having a through recess aligned along a pivot axis so as to define a housing adapted to receive a hydraulic machine, the base defining a connecting surface to a support, the pivot axis being in a pivot plane, perpendicular to the connecting surface, the cover being assembled on an arm of the fork, the cover, said arm comprising a plurality of housings, the cover comprising a plurality of holes, defining with the housings two sets of passages adapted to receive elements of fixing, said two housing assemblies defining a first position and a second position of the cover relative to the fork, said cover comprising at least one hydraulic conduit, opening out in a direction inclined relative to the pivot axis, the assembly being configured so that in the first position and in the second position of the cover relative to the fork, said at least one hydraulic conduit is inclined at an angle greater than 10° relative to the pivot plane.

[0006] According to one example, the arm comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, said indicators being configured so that only the first indicator is visible when the cover is in the first position, and so that only the second indicator is visible when the cover is in the second position. Indicators are typically visual elements engraved into the fork.

[0007] According to one example, said assembly is configured so that in the first position and in the second position of the cover relative to the fork, said at least one conduit is inclined at an angle of between 10° and 30°. ° relative to the pivot plane.

[0008] According to one example, said assembly is configured so that in the first position and in the second position of the cover relative to the fork, said at least one conduit is inclined at an angle of between 10° and 20°. ° relative to the pivot plane.

[0009] According to one example, the first position and the second position of the cover relative to the fork are symmetrical with respect to the pivot plane.

According to one example, which the arm comprises a number of housings at least 30% greater than the number of holes in the cover, or typically at least 50% greater than the number of holes in the cover.

[0011] According to one example, said at least one hydraulic conduit opens out in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. [0012] According to one example, said assembly comprises a hydraulic machine mounted rotating relative to the fork along the pivot axis, for example a hydraulic machine with radial pistons, the hydraulic machine having a first assembly and a second assembly movable in rotation relative to each other in an axial direction.

[0013] The axial direction is typically perpendicular to the pivot axis.

Brief description of the drawings

[0014] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description given below of different embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples.

[0015] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is an overview of an example of an assembly comprising a hydraulic machine rotatably mounted on a fork.

[0016] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents another view of such an assembly.

[0017] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a view of an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is another view of an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is another view of an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] In all of the figures, the common elements are identified by identical numerical references.

Description of embodiments

[0021]The figures show a fork 100 forming a support for a hydraulic machine 200.

The hydraulic machine 200 is typically a hydraulic machine with radial or axial pistons, and has a first assembly and a second assembly movable in rotation relative to each other in an axial direction XX, typically corresponding to an axis of a hydraulic machine shaft The hydraulic machine 200 is for example coupled to a member such as a wheel, a rim or any other member ensuring the movement of a vehicle or machine.

The fork 100 forms a support making it possible to define a pivot axis Z-Z between the hydraulic machine 200 and the fork 100. The fork 100 is typically assembled on a chassis; the pivot axis Z-Z thus makes it possible to define the orientation of a member driven in rotation by the hydraulic machine 200. The arms 120 and 130 each have a through hole defining the pivot axis Z-Z.

The pivot axis Z-Z is typically perpendicular to the axial direction X-X of the hydraulic machine 200, or inclined at an angle of between 60 and 90° relative to the axial direction X-X of the hydraulic machine 200. The fork 100 and the hydraulic machine 200 typically form a rotating joint ensuring the continuity of hydraulic lines between the hydraulic machine 200 and the fork 100.

The fork 100 as presented comprises a base 110 and two arms 120 and 130 extending from the base 110.

The base 110 as illustrated has a general plate shape, and has an internal face 112 and an external face 116. The internal face 112 corresponds to a face of the base 110 oriented towards the hydraulic machine 200, while the external face 116 is typically adapted to be secured to a support or chassis. It is understood that the external face 116 more generally designates a portion of the base 110 opposite the internal face 112 and adapted to be secured to a support or chassis. The external face 116 is considered to be flat, although this is not limiting.

[0028] A pivot plane is defined for the fork which is identified by the axis YY in the figures. This pivot plane is perpendicular to the pivot axis ZZ, and perpendicular to the internal face 112 of the base 110. More generally, the pivot plane YY forms a central axis of the connection between the fork 100 and a support or chassis. In the case where the external face 116 of the base 110 is not flat, the pivot plane YY can be defined as being perpendicular to the pivot axis ZZ, and perpendicular to a median plane of connection between the fork 110 and a support.

[0029] Such a fork 100 is typically designated as a C-shaped fork or “C-frame” according to the usual name in English.

One of the arms 120 and 130 is covered by a cover 300.

[0031]In the example illustrated, it is the arm 120 which is surmounted by the cover 300. We understand that this example is not limiting, and can be transposed to the case where it is the arm 130 which is surmounted by the cover 300.

The cover 300 forms an upper end of a rotating joint formed in the pivot formed between the hydraulic machine 200 and the fork 100. The cover thus forms one end of the pivot connection between the hydraulic machine 200 and the fork 100.

[0033] The cover 300 is assembled on an external face of one of the arms, here the arm 120 of the fork 100. The cover 300 thus has a plurality of through holes 340 adapted to allow the passage of fixing elements such as than screws or bolts. In the example illustrated, the cover 300 has 6 holes 340, distributed in pairs. These holes 340 are individually designated by the references 341, 342, 343, 344, 345 and 346.

The arm 120 of the fork 100 has housings 140, typically threads, adapted to receive the fixing elements and thus allow the assembly of the cover 300 on the arm 120. The housings 140 are particularly visible in Figure 3 These housings 140 are individually designated by the references 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 and 149.

[0035] The arm 120 has a number of housings 140 greater than the number of holes 320 of the cover 300. In the example illustrated, the cover 300 has 6 holes 320 while the arm 120 has 9 housings 140. More generally, the arm 120 has a number of housing units 140 at least 30% greater than the number of holes 320 of the cover 300, or at least 50% greater than the number of holes 320 of the cover 300.

This number of housings 140 greater than the number of holes 320 makes it possible to define two configurations and thus two relative positions of the cover 300 relative to the arm 120.

[0037] In the example illustrated, the holes 320 are arranged in pairs in the cover 300. The housings 140 are arranged in groups of 3.

[0038] The holes 340 are thus grouped in pairs: 341 and 342, 343 and 344, 345 and 346. The housings 140 are thus grouped according to the following groups of 3: 141, 142 and 143, 144, 145 and 146, 147 , 148 and 149. It is understood that these groupings are given for illustration purposes, and are not restrictive.

The holes 340 and the housings 140 are configured so as to define two relative positions of the cover 300 relative to the fork 100, so that in each of these positions, each hole 340 of the cover 300 faces each other. a housing 140 of the arm 120 of the fork 100, and thus that a fixing element can be inserted into each housing 140 through a drilling 340 of the cover 300.

[0040]0n thus defines a first position, in which:

- drilling 341 is aligned with housing 141,

- drilling 342 is aligned with housing 142,

- drilling 343 is aligned with housing 144,

- drilling 344 is aligned with housing 145,

- drilling 345 is aligned with housing 147, and

- drilling 346 is aligned with housing 148.

[0041]This first position is shown in Figure 4.

[0042]0n also defines a second position, in which:

- drilling 341 is aligned with housing 142,

- drilling 342 is aligned with housing 143,

- drilling 343 is aligned with housing 145,

- drilling 344 is aligned with housing 146, - drilling 345 is aligned with housing 148, and

- drilling 346 is aligned with housing 149.

This second position is shown in Figure 5.

[0044] The configuration presented in which the arm 120 has a number of housings 140 50% greater than the number of holes 320 of the cover 300 makes it possible to use one of the housings of each group of 3 in the two positions, the other two housings of each group of 3 being used only in one or the other position.

[0045] It is understood that other configurations are possible, in particular by having a number of housings 140 twice the number of holes 340, which allows for example to define two distinct positions, in which the housings 140 are each specific to a single position.

The fork 100 typically has an indicator 330 such as a visual marker or a key adapted to provide a visual indication to a user for the assembly of the cover 300 on the fork 100 in the first position or in the second position. The indicators 330 are typically visual markers, engraved in the fork 100.

[0047] In the example illustrated, the fork 100 has two indicators 330, which here are letters L and R referring to left and right. These indicators 330 are positioned so that only one of these indicators 330 is visible when the cover 300 is in the first position, and only the other of these indicators 330 is visible when the cover 300 is in the second position.

[0048]Thus, the user who assembles the cover 300 on the fork 100 can directly ensure the correct positioning of the cover 300.

The cover 300 comprises one or more hydraulic conduits 310, thus making it possible to connect hydraulic conduits or connectors secured to a chassis or a support to which the fork 100 is fixed.

The hydraulic conduits 310 typically open in a conduit direction perpendicular to the pivot axis ZZ, or form an angle of between 60° and 90° relative to the pivot axis ZZ. More generally, we defines a conduit plane VV passing through the pivot axis ZZ, such that the different hydraulic conduits 310 each emerge in a direction parallel to the conduit plane VV. In the case where the cover 300 comprises several hydraulic conduits 310, the conduit plane VV can for example form a plane of symmetry with respect to the different conduits, or a median plane with the different conduits.

The first position and the second position are configured so that in each of these positions, the conduit plane V-V forms a non-zero angle A relative to the pivot plane Y-Y. Figures 4 and 5 show the conduit planes Vl-Vl and V2-V2 corresponding respectively to the conduit plane in the first position and in the second position, and the respective angles Al and A2.

[0052] The angle between the conduit plane and the pivot plane is typically greater than 10°, or typically between 10° and 30°, or for example between 10° and 20°, or for example equal or substantially equal at 15°.

[0053] In the example illustrated in the figures, the first position and the second position are symmetrical with respect to the pivot plane Y-Y; the angles Al and A2 are thus equal in absolute value.

[0054] Such a configuration makes it possible to facilitate the connection of cables and hydraulic fittings to the hydraulic conduits 310 of the cover 300. Indeed, such conduits are typically rigid, but the usual structures offer a unique positioning in which the hydraulic conduits 310 are aligned with the Y-Y pivot plane and therefore lead directly to the chassis or support, which makes assembly and maintenance operations complex.

[0055] The proposed structure makes it possible to use a single element which can be adapted according to two configurations, and which facilitates assembly operations.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the revendications. In particular, Individual features of the different illustrated/mentioned embodiments can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. [0057] It is also obvious that all the characteristics described with reference to a method are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a method.

Claims

[Claim 1] Assembly comprising a fork (100) and a cover (300), the fork (100) comprising a base (110) adapted to be assembled on a support, and two arms (120, 130) each having a recess ( 124, 134) crossing aligned along a pivot axis (Z-Z) so as to define a housing adapted to receive a hydraulic machine (200), the base (110) defining a connection surface to a support, the pivot axis (Z-Z) being in a pivot plane (Y-Y), perpendicular to the connecting surface, the cover (300) being assembled on an arm (120) of the fork (100), said arm (120) comprising a plurality of housings (140), the cover (300) comprising a plurality of holes (340), defining with the housings (140) two sets of passages adapted to receive fixing elements, said two housing sets defining a first position and a second position of the cover (300) relative to the fork (100), said cover (300) comprising at least one hydraulic conduit (310), opening out in a direction (V-V) inclined relative to the pivot axis (Z-Z) , the assembly being configured so that in the first position and in the second position of the cover (300) relative to the fork (100), said at least one hydraulic conduit (310) is inclined at a greater angle at 10° relative to the pivot plane (Z-Z).

[Claim 2] Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arm (120) comprises a first indicator (330) and a second indicator (330), said indicators 330) being configured so that only the first indicator (330) is visible when the cover (300) is in the first position, and that only the second indicator (330) is visible when the cover (300) is in the second position.

[Claim 3] Assembly according to one of claims 1 or 2, configured so that in the first position and in the second position of the cover (300) relative to the fork (100), said at least one conduit ( 310) is inclined at an angle between 10° and 30° relative to the pivot plane (Y-Y).

[Claim 4] Assembly according to claim 3, configured so that in the first position and in the second position of the cover (300) relative to the fork (100), said at least one conduit (310) is inclined 'an angle between 10° and 20° relative to the pivot plane.

[Claim 5] Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the first position and the second position of the cover (300) relative to the fork (100) are symmetrical with respect to the pivot plane (Y- Y) .

[Claim 6] Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the arm comprises a number of housings (140) at least 30% greater than the number of holes (340) in the cover (300).

[Claim 7] Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which said at least one hydraulic conduit (310) opens out in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis (Z-Z).

[Claim 8] Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a hydraulic machine (200) rotatably mounted relative to the fork (100) along the pivot axis (Z-Z), the hydraulic machine (200) having a first assembly and a second assembly movable in rotation relative to each other in an axial direction (X-X).

[Claim 9] Assembly according to claim 8, wherein the axial direction (X-X) is perpendicular to the pivot axis (Z-Z).