Patent Publication Number: US-2006001265-A1

Title: Housing structure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,055 filed 4 Oct. 2004. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates to a housing structure having at least two housing sections. The housing sections are each provided for covering and/or sealing a hydraulic coupling, in particular for protection from dust. A first hydraulic coupling in the operating state is disposed above a second hydraulic coupling, preferably on a vehicle or tool, particularly on a commercial agricultural or industrial vehicle. A housing section has an opening that is reversibly sealable with a closing element and through which to create a hydraulic connection, a counterpart of a hydraulic coupling can be inserted. The housing structure in the operating state has an area disposed below for collecting leaking fluid. A retaining means is provided for each reversibly sealable opening, provided for the purpose of connection, said means by which the escape of leaking fluid from the respective opening is at least largely preventable.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Commercial agricultural and industrial vehicles, particularly farm tractors, are typically equipped with hydraulic connecting couplings, hereinafter hydraulic couplings, so that external hydraulic motors and/or hydraulic cylinders can be connected and run by means of the hydraulic system of the vehicle. According to ISO 7241-1, typically about 5 ccm of hydraulic fluid or hydraulic oil, hereinafter leaking fluid, escapes during quick-release coupling in current hydraulic couplings.  
      Accordingly, such hydraulic couplings, often formed as hydraulic quick couplings, must be protected from moisture and soiling. It is known in the art for this purpose to provide for each hydraulic quick-release connector a dust housing hereinafter a housing structure, by means of which the leaking oil is caught and collected through a hose into a collecting container. This type of dust housing is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,977 and typically comprises for each hydraulic coupling a sealable opening through which a counterpart to a hydraulic coupling can be inserted to finally create a hydraulic connection between the vehicle and a hydraulic user.  
      Currently, two hydraulic couplings are typically provided for a hydraulic user, one through which a hydraulic fluid is conveyed from the vehicle to the user, and a second hydraulic coupling through which the hydraulic fluid is returned to the vehicle. These two hydraulic couplings are usually disposed one above the other on a vehicle or tool and surrounded at least in part by a mutual dust housing or otherwise protected from soiling. In this case, the leaking fluid escaping from the top hydraulic coupling is conducted through a connecting line to the dust housing in such a manner that the lower hydraulic coupling is wefted by the leaking fluid and/or can escape from the lower opening of the dust housing. Despite sealing elements for the openings and/or rubber seals, this leads to extensive soiling of the hydraulic couplings in the dust housing—particularly in agricultural applications—and of the dust housing by the adhering dust. Dirty hydraulic couplings in the coupled state can lead to leaks, which in the worst case can cause the failure of the tool and in the loss of a considerable amount of hydraulic fluid.  
      Accordingly, there is a clear need in the art for the provision and improvement of a housing structure of the aforementioned type by means of which the aforementioned problems are overcome.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to avoid wetting of a hydraulic coupling with leaking fluid and the escape of leaking fluid from the opening of the housing structure by simple structural means.  
      As taught by the invention, a housing structure of the aforementioned type is characterized in that a means is provided by which the leaking fluid, which escapes from the upper hydraulic coupling and is located in the housing section allocated to said hydraulic coupling, can be conveyed for the most part into the area for collecting leaking fluid. By this means, the leaking fluid can be prevented in an especially advantageous manner, from wetting the lower hydraulic coupling and from escaping from the opening of the lower housing section.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means and/or the means have an inwardly directed projection, provided in the housing section. Typically, the interior area of the housing section is formed in the shape of a cylinder. Accordingly, the inwardly directed projection protrudes in the radial direction or projects from the inside wall. The retaining means provided in the upper housing section is very especially preferably formed over the entire perimeter of the cylindrical interior area, so that as a result the leaking fluid present in the upper housing section cannot escape from the opening of the upper housing section.  
      The projection is also provided in the lower housing section with very particular preference. The projection can be oriented protruding from the housing section and facing the hydraulic coupling. A groove is formed by this, said groove facing the hydraulic coupling and by which the escape of the leaking fluid from a sealable opening can be at least largely prevented.  
      In another embodiment, the retaining means and/or the means are formed in the shape of a ring. The retaining means can be disposed in an area of the housing section near the hydraulic coupling. By this mean, the leaking fluid can be conveyed immediately after its emergence from the hydraulic coupling to the area for collection, without the leaking fluid entering the area of the opening of the housing section and thus, the closing element being wetted by the leaking fluid.  
      Very generally, the retaining means can have a groove-shaped or trough-shaped channel. Alternatively or in addition, the retaining means can have a closed channel. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided in particular that the means has a channel, preferably in the form of a tubular section, by which the upper housing section can be connected to the lower housing section. This channel could be disposed centrally in the housing structure and extend from the lower area of the upper housing section to the upper area of the lower housing section.  
      The channel opens in the upper housing section into an area between the retaining means and the hydraulic coupling. Thereby, the leaking fluid present in the upper housing section is almost totally drained off through the channel, because the leaking fluid escaping from the upper hydraulic coupling is obstructed at the exit from the housing section by the retaining means and thus is retained or collects there.  
      Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the channel in the lower housing section opens into an area between the retaining means and the hydraulic coupling. By this means as well, the leaking fluid coming from the top housing section can be directed into the area, in which the leaking fluid escaping from the lower hydraulic coupling is obstructed by the retaining means at the exit from the housing section.  
      Forming the housing structure as a single piece is especially preferred for a simple and cost-effective production. The housing structure, for example, could be a one-piece plastic housing, on which means of attachment for attaching the housing structure to the hydraulic couplings are provided.  
      The area for collecting leaking fluid is preferably connectable to a container, whereby the connection can be made by means of a hose. The container is preferably formed and/or disposed separate from the housing structure. By this means, the leaking fluid collected in the container can be disposed of from time to time according to good practice or returned to the hydraulic system.  
      In the case of several upper hydraulic couplings arranged side by side and several lower hydraulic couplings arranged side by side, a housing structure is provided for an upper hydraulic coupling and a hydraulic coupling disposed thereunder according to a preferred embodiment. Hereby, a housing structure can be provided for each pair of hydraulic couplings; three housing structures are mounted in vehicles with, for example, six hydraulic couplings and accordingly four housing structures in vehicles with eight hydraulic couplings. Preferably, the areas for collecting leaking fluid of the housing structures arranged side by side can be connected together, for example, by means of a T piece.  
      According to a preferred embodiment, a sealing member is provided. The sealing member is located in at least one housing section. The sealing member is formed such that it provides a sealing contact to a hydraulic coupling at least to some extent. The sealing member is furthermore formed such that it provides a sealing contact to a closing element at least to some extent. The sealing member is preferably formed in a one piece component and/or could be formed out of an elastic material, for example out of rubber. If the sealing member is formed in a one piece component, the sealing member can be formed/arranged such that it is located in both housing sections. Furthermore, the sealing member could comprise the retaining means and/or the conveying means.  
      In another embodiment, a one-piece housing structure is provided for several upper hydraulic couplings arranged side by side and several lower hydraulic couplings arranged side by side. This permits an especially simple and rapid mounting of the housing structure.  
      In a preferred embodiment a hydraulic coupling has a quick-release connector. Preferably, this can be in a hydraulic quick-release connector, which can be connected only in the pressure-free state.  
      The housing structure or a housing section is preferably formed to protect against dust and/or soiling in such a manner that a hydraulic coupling is surrounded at least partially by a housing section from at least one side. This is typically the side of the hydraulic coupling, which must be accessible for the connecting.  
      Basically, the hydraulic couplings can be disposed with their coupling ends sloping obliquely downward, whereby the servicing of the hydraulic couplings is simple, because in a farm tractor these are typically disposed at the shoulder or head height of an operator. The collecting of the leaking fluid is also promoted by the oblique position.  
      Preferably, a hydraulic coupling longitudinal axis forms an angle between 5 and 25 degrees with the horizontal line.  
      Basically, a reversibly sealable opening has a substantially circular cross section. The closing element, closing a sealable opening, could have a rubber stopper. Such rubber stoppers are already known in the art and can be produced cost-effectively in large quantities in an especially advantageous manner.  
      To acquaint persons skilled in the art most closely related to the present invention, one preferred embodiment of the invention that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to show all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiment shown and described herein is illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the art, can be modified in numerous ways within the spirit and scope of the invention—the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a complete understanding of the objects, techniques, and structure of the invention reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and,  
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; and,  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show two hydraulic couplings  10  and  12  formed as quick-release connectors, said couplings which are built onto a farm tractor, not shown in the figures. The two hydraulic couplings  10  and  12  are disposed one above the other. The housing structure  14  of the invention is attached to the two hydraulic couplings  10  and  12  with the aid of two attachment means formed as attachment clamps  16 . The housing structure  14  comprises an upper housing section  18  and a lower housing section  20 . Each housing section  18  and  20  surrounds or seals the hydraulic coupling  10  or  12 , allocated to it, from the connecting side of the coupling.  
      Both the upper and lower housing sections  18  and  20  are each formed substantially cylindrically and have an opening  22  on the side opposite the coupling side of a hydraulic coupling  10  or  12 . The opening  22  is reversibly sealable by means of a closing element  24 . The closing elements  24  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are formed as rubber stoppers. They are made as one piece with a circular part  28  via a connector  26 , each also made of rubber, whereby the circular part  28  surrounds the hydraulic coupling  10  or  12  and thus the closing element  24  is assured against being lost.  
       FIG. 2  shows the housing structure  14  in a cross section along a plane that contains the hydraulic coupling longitudinal axes of the hydraulic couplings  10  and  12 . It can be seen in  FIG. 2  that both on the upper housing section  18  and on the lower housing section  20  retaining means  30  are provided, with which escape of leaking fluid from the respective opening  22  can be prevented almost totally. The retaining means  30  of the upper housing section  18  is formed by an inwardly directed projection. This projection extends in the form of a ring along the entire perimeter of the interior of the substantially cylindrical housing section  18 .  
      In the lower housing section  20 , the retaining means  30  formed as a projection, also extends into the interior of the substantially cylindrical housing section  20  in the perimeter-wise direction, but only over a relatively small area on the underside.  
      As taught by the invention, a means  32  is provided, which also protrudes from the interior wall of the lower housing section  20  or is disposed projecting, but is oriented facing the hydraulic coupling. It has a substantially linear form relative to the central axis of the opening, said form having a collecting function due to the oblique placement of the hydraulic couplings  10  and  12  with regard to the horizontal line. A trough-shaped design of the means  32  would also be conceivable; in this case, it would be expedient to make the trough convex in cross section in relation to the interior wall of the lower housing section  20 . The means  32  in terms of its size is formed larger than, for example, the retaining means  30  of the upper housing section  18 . The means  32  also extends in the form of a ring on the interior wall of the lower housing section  20 , however, not over the entire perimeter, but only up to the relatively small area on the lower side of the housing section  20 , on which the retaining means  30  is provided.  
      A channel  34 , which is formed as a cylindrical tubular section, is provided between the upper and lower housing sections  18  and  20 . The channel  34  opens on the upper housing section  18  relative to the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic coupling  10  in an area between the retaining means  30  and the hydraulic coupling  10  end facing the closing element  24 . The channel  34  opens in the lower housing section  20  relative to the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic coupling  12  in an area between the means  32  and the hydraulic coupling  12  end facing the closing element  24 . Accordingly, the channel  34  connects the lower area of the housing section  18  with the upper area of the housing section  20 .  
       FIG. 2  shows the leaking fluid  36  escaping as drops, from the upper hydraulic coupling  10  and collecting in the lower area of the upper housing section  18 . From here, this leaking fluid  36  via channel  34  enters the upper area of the lower housing section  20 . The leaking fluid  36  is obstructed by the means  32 , on the one hand, from wetting the hydraulic coupling  12  end facing the closing element  24  and, on the other hand, from dripping from the lower opening  22  in the upper middle area of the lower housing section  20 . Instead, due to the means  32 , the leaking fluid  36  is conveyed laterally on the interior wall of the opening  22  into the lower area of the lower housing section  20 , where it is collected in area  38 . The leaking fluid  36  collected in area  38  of the housing structure  14  can be conveyed by means of a hose, not shown in the figures, to an external container, also not shown.  
      The housing structure  14  of the invention is formed in a very advantageous manner as a single piece according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and is sealable with the two closing elements  24 . In this respect, the hydraulic couplings  10  and  12  are hereby effectively protected from soiling and escape of leaking fluid  36  is almost totally avoided. The one-piece design of the housing structure  14  permits simple and rapid mounting. Due to the simple servicing of the housing structure  14  of the invention, connection is made easier because the housing structure  14  does not need to be wiped with a cloth.  
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show a further embodiment of the housing structure  14 , which is in principle comparable to the housing structure  14  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Similar or same parts are characterized by the same reference numerals. The embodiment according to  FIGS. 3 and 4  differs from the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  especially by the provision of a sealing member  40 . Sealing member  40  is located within the upper housing section  18  and the lower housing section  20 . In other words, sealing member  40  is located in both openings  22 . The sealing member  40  according to this embodiment is a one piece component which is also elastic/flexible. Sealing member  40  could be made out of rubber. Channel  34  connects the upper housing section  18  with the lower housing section  20  and is formed by the sealing member  40  and the part of the housing structure  14 , which is provided between the two hydraulic couplings  10  and  12 . The leaking fluid  36  collected in the lower portion of the upper housing section  18  is guided through the channel  34  to the upper portion of the lower housing section  20 . From there, the leaking fluid  36  is guided via the closed channel—indicated by reference numeral  32  in  FIG. 4 —to a lower portion  38  of the lower housing structure  20 . The closed channel is formed by the sealing member  40  and the inner wall of the lower housing section  20  and is basically of an annular shape.  
      Sealing member  40  of this embodiment is formed such that it comprises the retaining means  30 , so that a leakage of the leaking fluid  36  from both the upper and lower openings  22  is almost completely prevented and the leaking fluid  36  can be collected even if the hydraulic couplings  10 ,  12  are not in a horizontal orientation.  
      As can best be seen in  FIG. 4 , the sealing member  40  is with its left side in a sealing contact over its complete circumference/periphery with hydraulic coupling  10  and with hydraulic coupling  12 . With its right side, sealing member  40  is in a sealing contact with both closing elements  24 , if the closing elements  24  are in position to close the respective opening  22 . The closing elements  24  according to  FIGS. 3 and 4  are rotated through an axis defined by bolt  42  in order to open or close their respective opening  22 . Reference numeral  44  indicates a position of the closing element  24  in an open condition.  
      Thus it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been satisfied by the structure presented above. While in accordance with the patent statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented and described in detail, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly and legally entitled.  
     Assignment  
      The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere &amp; Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere &amp; Company or otherwise.