Patent Description:
In general, a swivel joint between an upper body and a lower body of a construction machine allows a hydraulic oil to be connected to (e.g., associated with) a hydraulic device and a device using the hydraulic oil installed at the upper body and the lower body, respectively. Specifically, the hydraulic oil communicates through the inside of the swivel joint and flows to the upper body or the lower body.

In a conventional swivel joint, a connector connected to hydraulic lines is disposed at an upper portion, and there is a problem in that a connecting member such as a separate bending joint is required to connect the hydraulic lines from the connector and evenly arrange them in the upper body.

The upper body is supported by the lower body, and a swing sensor detects a relative angle between the upper body and the lower body and transmits it to a controller of the construction machine. In a conventional construction machine, the swing sensor is installed at a portion where relative rotation between the upper body and the lower body is performed, and thus other components should be separated or removed for maintenance and repair of the swing sensor. That is, there is a difficulty in that an operator has to remove other components installed at the upper body or the lower body therefrom in order to access the swing sensor.

It is to be understood that this background of the technology section is intended to provide useful background for understanding the technology and as such disclosed herein, the technology background section may include ideas, concepts or recognitions that were not part of what was known or appreciated by those skilled in the pertinent art prior to a corresponding effective filing date of subject matter disclosed herein. <CIT> describes a swivel joint for a working machine. The swivel joint includes an outer body being secured on one of the lower traveling body and the upper swiveling body and having a blocking surface on one end, an inner body being secured on another of the lower traveling body and the upper swiveling body and being relatively and rotatably fitted in the outer body while opposing to the blocking surface at one end n in the manner of making a space, a pilot oil passage being formed on rotational center line of the inner body for distributing pilot oil, a rod being inserted into the pilot oil passage and being secured on one of the outer body and the inner body, and a rotation angle sensor being secured on the other end of the outer body and the inner body for detecting a rotation angle of the rod.

The present provides a swivel joint in accordance with claim <NUM> and a construction machine in accordance with claim <NUM>. In particular, the present invention provides a swivel joint installed with a sensor for detecting a relative rotation angle between an upper body and a lower body, and a construction machine including the same.

According to the invention, a swivel joint for connecting hydraulic oil between a lower body of a construction machine and an upper body rotatably supported by the lower body includes: a rotation support body including a first body supported by the lower body and a second body rotatably coupled to the first body and rotating together with the upper body when the upper body rotates; and a sensor supported by the rotation support body to detect rotation of the upper body.

According to the invention, the sensor includes: a detector rotating together with the second body; and a relative detector supported by the lower body and providing relative rotation information between the upper body and the lower body to the detector.

According to the invention, the swivel joint further includes: a second through hole defined inside the second body; and a guide pipe disposed in the second through hole and supporting the relative detector.

In some embodiments, the swivel joint may further include: a securing bracket configured to support position of the relative detector.

In some embodiments, the swivel joint may further include: a support including a spacer member disposed in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the second body and configured to form an installation space for the detector and the relative detector disposed above the second body.

In some embodiments, the support may further include: a base member between the second body and the spacer member and connecting the second body and the detector.

In some embodiments, the swivel joint may further include: a rotation support supported to the second body by the spacer member and configured to rotate together with the upper body when the upper body rotates.

In some embodiments, the securing bracket may include: a first protrusion having a securing through hole defined therein, wherein at least a portion of the first protrusion is inserted into a second detection through hole defined inside the relative detector; a bracket support surface connected to the first protrusion and supporting one surface of the relative detector neighboring the second detection through hole; and a second protrusion protruding from the bracket support surface in a direction opposite to the first protrusion.

In some embodiments, the rotation support may include: a rotation body coupled to the support; an electric part guide member rotatably coupled to the rotation body and capable of having an electric line disposed therein; and a securing support supported on an outer circumferential surface of the electric part guide member and having a support coupling groove coupled to the second protrusion.

In some embodiments, the guide pipe may be disposed in the second through hole, the first detection through hole, and the second detection through hole, and is coupled to the securing bracket.

In some embodiments, the securing bracket may further include a third protrusion formed by protruding an inner circumferential surface of the securing through hole toward a center portion of the securing through hole, and the guide pipe further has a coupling groove formed at one end portion of the guide pipe and coupled to the third protrusion.

In some embodiments, the guide pipe may be characterized in that one side thereof is supported by the securing bracket and the other side thereof is detachably supported by the first body.

In some embodiments, one end portion of the first protrusion may protrude toward the detector outside the second detection through hole.

In some embodiments, the rotation support body may further include a hydraulic guide portion to be coupled to a hydraulic line, on an outer circumferential surface of an area of the second body protruding upward with respect to an upper body bottom surface of the upper body supported by the lower body.

An embodiment provides a construction machine including: a lower body; an upper body supported by the lower body; a swing device disposed on the lower body to rotatably support the upper body; and a swivel joint disposed at a center portion of the swing device, the swivel joint including: a rotation support body including a first body supported by the lower body and a second body rotatably coupled to the first body and having one area disposed to protrude with respect to one surface of the upper body to rotate together with the upper body when the upper body rotates; a sensor supported by the second body protruding with respect to one surface of the upper body and configured to detect rotation of the upper body; and a hydraulic guide portion configured to couple a hydraulic line to an outer circumferential surface of an area of the second body.

In some embodiments, the upper body may include: an upper body bottom surface supported by the lower body; a pair of upper body vertical surfaces spaced apart from each other with respect to the swivel joint, the pair of upper body vertical surfaces protruding from the upper body bottom surface and disposed to cross the upper body bottom surface; and an upper body reinforcement surface connecting the pair of upper body vertical surfaces to each other and disposed so that an area thereof overlaps the swivel joint when viewed from above over the upper body.

In some embodiments, the guide pipe may include one side disposed to penetrate along a longitudinal direction of the second body, and another side detachably supported by the first body, the guide pipe detachable in a lower direction of the upper body bottom surface during maintenance of the sensor.

An embodiment provides a swivel joint for connecting hydraulic oil between a lower body of a construction machine and an upper body rotatably supported by the lower body, the swivel joint including, a rotation support body including a first body supported by the lower body, and a second body rotatably coupled to the first body and rotating together with the upper body when the upper body rotates; a detector having a first detection through hole defined therein, and rotating together with the second body; a relative detector having a second detection through hole defined therein, and supported by the lower body to provide relative rotation information between the upper body and the lower body to the detector; a second through hole defined inside the second body; a securing bracket partially inserted inside the second detection through hole to support position of the relative detector; and a guide pipe at least a portion of which is inserted into the second through hole, the first detection through hole, and the second detection through hole, wherein the guide pipe may include one side supported by the securing bracket inserted into the second detection through hole and another side detachably coupled to the first body.

The foregoing is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments and features described above, further aspects, embodiments and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art may easily implement the present disclosure. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to embodiments described herein.

It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and have not been drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and ratios of parts in the drawings are illustrated exaggerated or reduced in size for clarity and convenience in the drawings, and any dimensions are merely exemplary and not limiting. In addition, the same structural elements or parts appearing in two or more drawings are used with the same reference numerals to indicate similar features.

Embodiments of the present disclosure specifically represent a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, various variations of the illustration are expected. Therefore, embodiments are not limited to a specific shape in the illustrated area, and includes, for example, a modification of the shape by manufacturing.

Hereinafter, a swivel joint <NUM> according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

A swivel joint <NUM> is installed at a construction machine <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Specifically, the construction machine <NUM> includes an upper body <NUM> and a lower body <NUM>. The lower body <NUM> rotatably supports the upper body <NUM>. The swivel joint <NUM> connects (e.g., associates) a hydraulic line between the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM>. That is, the swivel joint <NUM> connects the hydraulic line between the lower body <NUM> which is secured and the upper body <NUM> which rotates relative to the lower body <NUM>.

The swivel joint <NUM> according to an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, includes a rotation support body <NUM>, including a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM>, and a sensor <NUM>.

The first body <NUM> is supported by the lower body <NUM>. Specifically, the first body <NUM> may be formed in an approximately "cylindrical" shape and formed with an internal hollow to form a first through hole <NUM>. That is, at least a portion of the first body <NUM> may be fixedly coupled to the lower body <NUM>. A lower body through hole <NUM> may be defined in the lower body <NUM>. In addition, a portion of the first body <NUM> may pass through the lower body through hole <NUM> and be supported by the lower body <NUM>.

The second body <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first body <NUM>. In addition, the second body <NUM> rotates together with the upper body <NUM> when the upper body <NUM> rotates. Specifically, at least a portion of the second body <NUM> is inserted and disposed in the first through hole <NUM> of the first body <NUM>. In addition, an outer circumferential surface of a portion of the second body <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the first through hole <NUM> of the first body <NUM>. In addition, one side of the second body <NUM> may be disposed outside the first body <NUM>, and the other side of the second body <NUM> may be rotatably disposed in the first through hole <NUM> of the first body <NUM>.

An upper body through hole <NUM> may be defined (e.g., formed) in the upper body <NUM>. The second body <NUM> may be disposed in the upper body through hole <NUM> and supported by the upper body <NUM> to rotate together with the upper body <NUM> when the upper body <NUM> rotates. Specifically, the upper body through hole <NUM> may be defined in the upper body <NUM> facing the lower body through hole <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> detects rotation of the upper body <NUM>. In addition, the sensor <NUM> is supported by the rotation support body <NUM>. Specifically, the sensor <NUM> may detect swing of the upper body <NUM> with respect to the lower body <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be supported above or on the second body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the swivel joint <NUM> includes the sensor <NUM> that detects rotation of the upper body <NUM>, and thus when maintenance of the sensor <NUM> is required, an operator may access the upper body <NUM> and may check the sensor <NUM> efficiently.

In addition, the sensor <NUM> includes a detector <NUM> and a relative detector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The detector <NUM> may rotate together with the second body <NUM>. The detector <NUM> may rotate together with the second body <NUM>, when the upper body <NUM> rotates.

The relative detector <NUM> may be supported by the lower body <NUM> to provide, to the detector <NUM>, relative rotation information between the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM>. The relative detector <NUM> may be supported by the lower body <NUM> to provide rotational position information of the lower body <NUM>, and the detector <NUM> may rotate together with the upper body <NUM> when the upper body <NUM> rotates, and thus may detect relative rotation angle information between the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> based on the position information provided by the relative detector <NUM>.

For example, the relative detector <NUM> may be supported by the lower body <NUM> to provide magnetism to the detector <NUM>.

Specifically, the relative detector <NUM> may be supported and secured by the lower body <NUM>, and the detector <NUM> which rotates together with the upper body <NUM> when the upper body <NUM> rotates detects magnetism information of the relative detector <NUM>, thereby detecting a swing angle of the relative detector <NUM> with respect to the secured lower body <NUM>. For example, the relative detector <NUM> may be a magnetic body. Alternatively, the detector <NUM> may be of another configuration capable of detecting a relative rotation angle between the lower body <NUM> and the upper body <NUM>.

In addition, the detector <NUM> may be disposed more adjacent to the second body <NUM> than the relative detector <NUM> is thereto. That is, the relative detector <NUM> may be disposed above or on the detector <NUM>.

Specifically, the detector <NUM> may detect a change in magnetic property generated by the relative detector <NUM>. Information detected by the detector <NUM> may be transmitted to a controller (not illustrated) so that a relative rotation angle of the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> may be calculated.

In addition, the swivel joint <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a rotation support <NUM>. The rotation support <NUM> rotates together with the upper body <NUM> when the upper body <NUM> rotates. Specifically, the rotation support <NUM> may be disposed above or on the sensor <NUM>. In addition, the support <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a spacer member <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The sensor <NUM> is disposed in the support <NUM>. In addition, the support <NUM> connects between the second body <NUM> and the rotation support <NUM>. Specifically, the support <NUM> may connect the second body <NUM> and the rotation support <NUM> so that they rotate together when the upper body <NUM> rotates.

The spacer member <NUM> may support the rotation support <NUM> to be spaced apart from each other in one direction. The spacer member <NUM> may support the rotation support <NUM> so that the second body <NUM> and a portion of the rotation support <NUM> rotate together. In addition, the spacer member <NUM> may form an installation space such that the sensor <NUM> is installed in the support <NUM>. For example, the spacer member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM> to form the installation space for the sensor <NUM>.

Specifically, the spacer member <NUM> may be formed in a pair to include a first frame and a second frame.

The first frame may be bent so that one end is disposed adjacent to the second body <NUM>. In addition, the first frame may be bent so that another end faces one surface of the rotation support <NUM>. In addition, an intermediate portion between one end and the other end of the first frame may be disposed in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM>.

For example, the first frame may be formed in an approximately "C" shape.

The second frame may be formed in the substantially same shape as the first frame and may be disposed on a base member <NUM> so that concave intermediate portions of the approximate "C" shapes face each other around the detector <NUM>, while being spaced apart from each other.

Accordingly, the spacer members <NUM> may support the rotation support <NUM> which is spaced apart from the second body <NUM> along the longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM> so that the rotation support <NUM> may rotate together with the second body <NUM>. In addition, the spacer member <NUM> may form a space such that the sensor <NUM> is disposed above or on the second body <NUM> along the longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM>.

In addition, the support <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include the base member <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The base member <NUM> may be disposed between the second body <NUM> and the detector <NUM> to support the second body <NUM> and the detector <NUM> to rotate together.

The base member <NUM> may be disposed on the second body <NUM> to connect the second body <NUM> and the detector <NUM>. Specifically, the base member <NUM> may be disposed between the second body <NUM> and the detector <NUM> so that the detector <NUM> is supported by the second body <NUM>.

For example, the base member <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape on one side of the second body <NUM> to support the detector <NUM>. Specifically, the base member <NUM> may have a base hole <NUM> defined in the center thereof. That is, one surface of the base member <NUM> may be disposed to face one side of the second body <NUM>, and another surface of the base member <NUM> may be disposed to face the detector <NUM>.

In addition, the base member <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the second body <NUM>. Accordingly, the detector <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the base member <NUM>. Accordingly, the detector <NUM> may be coupled to the second body <NUM> by the base member <NUM> and rotate together with the upper body <NUM> when the upper body <NUM> rotates.

One end portion of the first frame may be disposed to face another surface of the base member <NUM>. The second frame may also be disposed to face the first frame and be connected to the base member <NUM>.

In addition, the swivel joint <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a securing bracket <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The securing bracket <NUM> may be disposed between the detector <NUM> and the rotation support <NUM>. In addition, the securing bracket <NUM> may support position of the relative detector <NUM>. Specifically, the securing bracket <NUM> may support the relative detector <NUM> so that it may not rotate along the upper body <NUM>.

In addition, the securing bracket <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a first protrusion <NUM>, a bracket support surface <NUM> and a second protrusion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The first protrusion <NUM> may have a securing through hole <NUM> defined therein. A second detection through hole <NUM> may be defined inside the relative detector <NUM>. Specifically, the second detection through hole <NUM> may be defined in the relative detector <NUM> along a longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM>. At least a part of the first protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the second detection through hole <NUM> of the relative detector <NUM>. That is, an outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion <NUM> may face an inner circumferential surface of the second detection through hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the first protrusion <NUM> may support the relative detector <NUM>.

The securing through hole <NUM> may be defined in the securing bracket <NUM> to be elongated along a longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM>.

The bracket support surface <NUM> may be connected to the first protrusion <NUM> and may support one surface of the relative detector <NUM> neighboring the second detection through hole <NUM>. Specifically, the relative detector <NUM> may be disposed above or on the detector <NUM>, and the bracket support surface <NUM> may be disposed parallel to a surface of the relative detector <NUM> that is opposite to a surface of the relative detector <NUM> facing the detector <NUM> so as to support one surface of the relative detector <NUM>. That is, the bracket support surface <NUM> may be formed to extend from the first protrusion <NUM> in an outer circumferential direction.

For example, the bracket support surface <NUM> may be formed to extend from the first protrusion <NUM> elongatedly in one radial direction of the securing through hole <NUM>.

Accordingly, the bracket support surface <NUM> may face and support one surface of the relative detector <NUM> disposed relatively far from the detector <NUM>, and the first protrusion <NUM> may be inserted in the second detection through hole <NUM> and support an inner surface of the second detection through hole <NUM>.

The second protrusion <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the bracket support surface <NUM> in a direction opposite to the first protrusion <NUM>. In addition, the second protrusion <NUM> may include a pair of protrusions disposed on the bracket support surface <NUM> to be spaced apart from each other with respect to the securing through hole <NUM>. Specifically, the first protrusion <NUM> may be formed on one surface of the bracket support surface <NUM>, and one surface of the bracket support surface <NUM> and the first protrusion <NUM> may support the relative detector <NUM>.

In addition, the second protrusion <NUM> including a pair of protrusions may be formed on another surface of the bracket support surface <NUM> opposite to the one surface of the bracket support surface <NUM>, protruding in a direction opposite to the first protrusion <NUM>, and the pair of protrusions are spaced apart from each other about the securing through hole <NUM>. That is, the bracket support surface <NUM> is formed to extend elongatedly in one radial direction of the securing through hole <NUM>, and the pair of protrusions may be formed thereon.

In addition, the securing through hole <NUM> may penetrate and be defined from the first protrusion <NUM> to the bracket support surface <NUM>.

In addition, the rotation support <NUM> according to an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include a rotation body <NUM>, an electric part guide member <NUM>, and a securing support <NUM>. For example, the rotation support <NUM> may be a rotation connector or a slip ring that guides an electric line between the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> to pass therethrough and prevents entangling thereof.

The rotation body <NUM> may be coupled to the support <NUM>. Specifically, the rotation body <NUM> may be coupled to the base member <NUM> by the spacer member <NUM>. In addition, an external electric line connector <NUM> which may be coupled to an electric line located at the upper body <NUM> outside the rotation body <NUM> may be disposed at the rotation body <NUM>. Accordingly, the rotation body <NUM> may rotate together with the external electrical line connector <NUM>, together with the upper body <NUM>.

The electric part guide member <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the rotation body <NUM>. Specifically, one end portion of the electric part guide member <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the rotation body <NUM>. For example, a bearing or a bearing bush may be disposed between one end portion of the electric part guide member <NUM> and a center portion of the rotation body <NUM> to support the rotation body <NUM> to be rotatable. That is, the rotation body <NUM> may rotate about the electric part guide member <NUM>.

In addition, an electric line may be disposed in the electric part guide member <NUM>. Specifically, the electric part guide member <NUM> may be disposed along a length direction of the second body <NUM> from the rotation body <NUM> toward the second body <NUM>. That is, the electric part guide member <NUM> may be disposed elongatedly in one direction along the length direction of the second body <NUM>.

The securing support <NUM> may be coupled to the securing bracket <NUM>. Specifically, it may be supported on an outer circumferential surface of the electric part guide member <NUM>. In addition, the securing support <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the rotation body <NUM> facing the securing bracket <NUM>.

In addition, a support coupling groove <NUM> may be defined in the securing support <NUM>. Specifically, a pair of support coupling grooves <NUM>, the number of which is equal to the number of the second protrusions <NUM>, may be formed in the securing support <NUM> to be coupled to the second protrusions <NUM>.

For example, the support coupling groove <NUM> may be formed to be concave toward a center direction from opposite ends of the securing support <NUM>.

Accordingly, the bracket support surface <NUM> may be formed to extend elongatedly in one radial direction of the securing through hole <NUM> so that a pair of protrusions are formed thereon, and the second protrusions <NUM> including the pair of protrusions may be coupled to the support coupling grooves <NUM>, respectively.

Accordingly, the securing bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the securing support <NUM>.

In addition, the swivel joint <NUM> according to an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, further includes a second through hole <NUM>, a first detection through hole <NUM>, and a guide pipe <NUM>.

The second through hole <NUM> may be defined in a hollow shape inside the second body <NUM>. Specifically, the second through hole <NUM> may be formed at a center portion of the second body <NUM> along a longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM>.

The first detection through hole <NUM> may be defined inside the detector <NUM>. Specifically, the first detection through hole <NUM> may be defined so that the second detection through hole <NUM> and the base hole <NUM> communicate with each other. That is, the first detection through hole <NUM> may be defined through a center portion of the detector <NUM> along a longitudinal direction of the second body <NUM>.

The guide pipe <NUM> may be formed elongatedly in one direction. In addition, the guide pipe <NUM> may have a guide hole <NUM> defined therein in a hollow shape. In addition, the guide pipe <NUM> may be disposed in the first through hole <NUM>, the first detection through hole <NUM>, and the second detection through hole <NUM>.

The guide pipe <NUM> may be coupled to the securing bracket <NUM>.

Specifically, at least a portion of the guide pipe <NUM> may be inserted and disposed inside the second body <NUM>. In addition, the rest of the guide pipe <NUM> may be inserted inside the first detection through hole <NUM>, the second detection through hole <NUM> and the securing through hole <NUM>. That is, the rest of the guide pipe <NUM> may be disposed to protrude outside the second body <NUM>.

For example, since the guide hole <NUM> is defined in the guide pipe <NUM>, an electric line may be disposed through the lower body <NUM> and the upper body <NUM> along a length direction of the guide pipe <NUM>. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, a traveling body tension detector <NUM> for detecting a tension of the traveling body disposed on the lower body <NUM> may allow the electric line <NUM> to be disposed at the upper body <NUM> through the guide hole <NUM>. Accordingly, damage due to entangling of the electric line <NUM> may be effectively prevented.

In addition, the guide pipe <NUM> may include one end portion coupled to the securing bracket <NUM> and the other end portion supported by the first body <NUM>. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the other end portion of the guide pipe <NUM> may be coupled to the guide support <NUM> in an annular shape through welding. In addition, the guide support <NUM> may be detachably coupled to a lower portion of the first body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the securing bracket <NUM> coupled to the guide pipe <NUM>, the relative detector <NUM> coupled to the securing bracket <NUM>, and the slip ring securing member and the electric part guide member <NUM> coupled to the securing bracket <NUM> may be supported on the lower body <NUM>. That is, the securing bracket <NUM> coupled to the guide pipe <NUM>, the relative detector <NUM> coupled to the securing bracket <NUM>, and the securing support <NUM> and the electric part guide member <NUM> coupled to the securing bracket <NUM> may not rotate when the upper body <NUM> rotates.

In addition, the securing bracket <NUM> of the swivel joint <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a third protrusion <NUM>.

The third protrusion <NUM> may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the securing through hole <NUM> to protrude toward a center portion of the securing through hole <NUM>. The third protrusion <NUM> may include a pair of facing protrusions disposed to protrude in a direction in which the pair of protrusions become adjacent to each other in the securing through hole <NUM>.

In addition, the guide pipe <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a coupling groove <NUM>.

The coupling groove <NUM> may be defined at one end portion of the guide pipe <NUM> to be coupled to the third protrusion <NUM>. Specifically, the coupling groove <NUM> may be defined by forming one end portion of the guide pipe <NUM> to be concave in a longitudinal direction of the guide pipe <NUM>, so that the third protrusion <NUM> may be inserted and coupled thereto.

That is, the guide pipe <NUM> may limit rotation of the securing bracket <NUM>. Accordingly, some components of the relative detector <NUM> and the rotation support <NUM> supported by the securing bracket <NUM> may not rotate together when the upper body <NUM> rotates. Accordingly, the detector <NUM> which rotates together when the upper body <NUM> rotates may detect a swing angle of the upper body <NUM> with respect to the relative detector <NUM> supported by the lower body <NUM>.

The third protrusion <NUM> may be coupled to the coupling groove <NUM> in such a way, and thus when the swivel joint <NUM> is disassembled for inspection or replacement of the sensor <NUM> disposed in the swivel joint <NUM>, components thereof may be readily removed (e.g., detached, separated, etc.).

In addition, regarding coupling with the securing bracket <NUM> and the securing support <NUM>, which may be somewhat unstable due to a small diameter of the guide pipe <NUM>, the second protrusion <NUM> which includes the pair of protrusions disposed on the bracket support surface <NUM> extending in one radial direction of the securing through hole <NUM>, may be effectively coupled to the securing support <NUM>. Accordingly, the guide pipe <NUM> may allow the first body <NUM> and the relative detector <NUM> to be stably supported together.

In addition, one end portion of the first protrusion <NUM> according to an embodiment may be disposed to protrude toward the detector <NUM> outside the second detection through hole <NUM>.

One end portion of the first protrusion <NUM> may pass through the second detection through hole <NUM> and extend toward the detector <NUM>. Specifically, one end portion of the first protrusion <NUM> facing one end portion of the detector <NUM> may be disposed to protrude toward the detector <NUM> along a central axis direction of the second detection through hole <NUM>. That is, a protruding length of the first protrusion <NUM> may be formed longer than a height of the second detection through hole <NUM>.

One end portion of the first protrusion <NUM> disposed outside the second detection through hole <NUM> to face the detector <NUM> may maintain a spacing distance between the detector <NUM> and the relative detector <NUM>.

Accordingly, damage to the detector <NUM> or damage to the relative detector <NUM> caused by contact between the detector <NUM> and the relative detector <NUM> positioned on the detector <NUM> may be effectively prevented by one end portion of the first protrusion <NUM>.

In addition, the rotation support body <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a hydraulic guide portion <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The lower body <NUM> supports the upper body <NUM>. Specifically, one area of the rotation support body <NUM> may protrude upward with respect to a bottom surface <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> supported on one surface of the lower body <NUM>. One area of the second body <NUM> may be disposed to protrude upward with respect to the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>. A hydraulic guide portion <NUM> allowing a hydraulic line <NUM> to be coupled thereto may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of one area of the second body <NUM>.

Accordingly, as the hydraulic guide portion <NUM> is formed on an outer circumferential surface of an area of the second body <NUM> that protrudes upward with respect to the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>, the hydraulic line <NUM> coupled to the hydraulic guide portion <NUM> rotate together with the upper body <NUM> according to the rotation of the upper body <NUM> such that it may effectively transfer hydraulic oil without being entangled.

In addition, as the hydraulic guide portion <NUM> is formed on the outer circumferential surface of an area of the second body <NUM> protruding upward with respect to the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>, the operator may easily perform maintenance work on the hydraulic line <NUM> on the upper body <NUM> without the need to disassemble the entire swivel joint <NUM> during maintenance of the hydraulic line <NUM> connected to the hydraulic guide portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a construction machine <NUM> in which the swivel joint <NUM> is installed according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

A construction machine <NUM> includes a lower body <NUM> on which a traveling body such as a caterpillar (e.g., track) or wheel required for traveling is installed and an upper body <NUM> that is disposed on the lower body <NUM> to support, for example, a cabin in which a worker is boarded and an engine. In addition, in the construction machine <NUM>, a swivel joint <NUM> for guiding movement of hydraulic oil between the lower body <NUM> and the upper body <NUM> is installed between the lower body <NUM> and the upper body <NUM>. Specifically, the swivel joint <NUM> transfers hydraulic oil from a pump installed at the upper body <NUM> to a traveling motor installed at the lower body <NUM> or relays the hydraulic oil to between the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> to recover the hydraulic oil supplied to the driving motor. In addition, the swivel joint <NUM> provides a movement path of the electric line, so that even if relative rotation between the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> occurs, entangling of the electric line may be effectively prevented.

The swivel joint <NUM> may be inserted and supported in the upper body through hole <NUM> defined in the upper body <NUM> and the lower body through hole <NUM> defined in the lower body <NUM>.

In addition, the construction machine <NUM> includes a swing device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the swing device <NUM> may rotate the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> relative to each other. That is, the swing device <NUM> may rotatably support the lower body <NUM> that supports the upper body <NUM> so that the upper body <NUM> is rotatable.

For example, the swing device <NUM> may be an inner ring having teeth formed therein, installed at an installation area of the lower body <NUM>. A plurality of inner gears disposed inside the inner ring by a motor, which is not illustrated, are operated, thereby rotating the upper body <NUM> with respect to the lower body <NUM> so that rotation occurs.

The above-described lower body through hole <NUM> may be defined at a center portion of this inner ring.

A sensor <NUM> may be installed at the swivel joint <NUM>. When the swivel joint <NUM> includes a first body <NUM> supported by the lower body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> at least a portion of which is inserted and rotatably supported in the first body <NUM> and the rest protrudes with respect to one surface of the upper body <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> may be disposed above or on the second body <NUM>. Specifically, the sensor <NUM> may detect a relative rotation angle between the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM>.

For example, the detector <NUM> rotates together with the upper body <NUM> by the support <NUM>, and the relative detector <NUM> is supported to the first body <NUM> by the guide pipe <NUM> to be supported by the lower body <NUM>. Accordingly, the detector <NUM> may detect a relative rotation angle of the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM>.

The upper body <NUM> includes an upper body bottom surface <NUM>, an upper body vertical surface <NUM>, and an upper body reinforcing surface <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

An upper body through hole <NUM> is defined in the upper body bottom surface <NUM>. Specifically, the upper body bottom surface <NUM> may be a surface facing the inner ring installed at the lower body <NUM>. The upper body through hole <NUM> may be formed in a surface facing the lower body through hole <NUM>. That is, the upper body bottom surface <NUM> may be a lowermost surface of the upper body <NUM> that faces the lower body <NUM>.

The upper body vertical surface <NUM> may be disposed on the upper body bottom surface <NUM>. In addition, the upper body vertical surface <NUM> may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the upper body bottom surface <NUM>. Specifically, the upper body vertical surface <NUM> may be arranged in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the swivel joint <NUM>.

In addition, the upper body vertical surface <NUM> may be formed as a pair spaced apart from the swivel joint <NUM> on the upper body bottom surface <NUM>. That is, the upper body vertical surface <NUM> may be formed as a pair spaced apart from each other with respect to the upper body through hole <NUM>.

Specifically, the upper body vertical surface <NUM> may include an area in which a boom is installed when the construction machine <NUM> is an excavator.

The upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> may be disposed between the pair of upper body vertical surfaces <NUM> spaced apart from each other to connect the pair of upper body vertical surfaces <NUM>. In addition, the upper body reinforcing surface <NUM> connects between the upper body vertical surfaces <NUM> to help prevent deformation of the upper body vertical surface <NUM> against a load in a direction crossing a height direction of the upper body vertical surface <NUM>. For example, an opening hole <NUM> may be defined in the upper body reinforcing surface <NUM> to reduce a weight of the upper body reinforcing surface <NUM>.

In addition, the upper body reinforcing surface <NUM> is disposed to be inclined in one direction between the pair of upper body vertical surfaces <NUM>. Specifically, in the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> connecting the pair of upper body vertical surfaces <NUM>, the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> adjacent to the upper body bottom surface <NUM> may be one side of the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM>. In addition, in the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> connecting the pair of upper body vertical surfaces <NUM>, the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> farther from the upper body bottom surface <NUM> than one side of the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> may be the other side of the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the upper body bottom surface <NUM> is viewed from above (top view), the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> may be disposed so that it may become adjacent to the upper body through hole <NUM>, from one side of the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> to the other side of the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the upper body bottom surface <NUM> is viewed from above (top view), an area of the other side of the upper body reinforcement surface <NUM> may be disposed to overlap at least a part of the swivel joint <NUM> or the upper body through hole <NUM>.

In addition, the construction machine <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may further include a rotation connector <NUM> having one side supported by the second body <NUM> and extending in an outer circumferential direction of the second body <NUM>, and a connection support <NUM> disposed at the upper body <NUM> to support the other side of the rotation connector <NUM> in an insertion manner. By coupling of the rotation connector <NUM> and the connection support <NUM>, the second body <NUM> may also rotate when the upper body <NUM> rotates. That is, when the upper body <NUM> rotates, the second body <NUM> may rotate together by coupling of the rotation connector <NUM> and the connection support <NUM>.

When the upper body <NUM> rotates with respect to the lower body <NUM>, position of the first body <NUM> supported by the lower body <NUM> is in a state of being secured by the lower body <NUM>. In addition, the relative detector <NUM> supported to the first body <NUM> and the securing bracket <NUM> by the guide pipe <NUM> is supported by the lower body <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the second body <NUM> which is partially inserted into the first body <NUM> and rotates together with the upper body <NUM> rotates. In addition, the detector <NUM> supported to the second body <NUM> by the support <NUM> rotates with the upper body <NUM> when the upper body <NUM> rotates. Accordingly, the detector <NUM> rotates together with the upper body <NUM> with respect to the relative detector <NUM> which has the same position as the lower body <NUM>, and thus a relative angle between the lower body <NUM> and the upper body <NUM> may be detected.

In addition, the hydraulic lines <NUM> connected to the hydraulic guide portion <NUM> formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second body <NUM> which is rotated when the upper body <NUM> rotates may also rotate together, so that the upper body <NUM> may prevent the hydraulic lines <NUM> from being entangled as the upper body <NUM> rotates with respect to the lower body <NUM>. In addition, the swivel joint <NUM> may effectively connect (associate) flow of hydraulic oil to a hydraulic device installed at the upper body <NUM> and a driving motor installed at the lower body <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to arrange the hydraulic lines <NUM> evenly at various locations inside the upper body <NUM> by the hydraulic guide portion <NUM> formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second body <NUM>. That is, the hydraulic guide portion <NUM> formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second body <NUM> may allow the hydraulic lines <NUM> to be effectively disposed in the upper body <NUM> on opposite sides of the swivel joint <NUM>.

In addition, the guide hole <NUM> of the guide pipe <NUM> and the electric line connected to the external electric line connector <NUM> of the rotation body <NUM> may also rotate together with the rotation of the upper body <NUM>. In addition, the rotation body <NUM> connected to the second body <NUM> by the support <NUM> may rotate together as the upper body <NUM> rotates. In such an embodiment, when the upper body <NUM> rotates, the external electric line connector <NUM> installed at the rotation body <NUM> may also rotate.

Specifically, the electric line arranged in the guide hole <NUM> may be connected to the external electric line connector <NUM>. In addition, the electric line connected to the lower body <NUM> may be disposed in the guide hole <NUM>. In addition, the external electric line connector <NUM> and the electric line disposed on the upper body <NUM> may be connected to each other. Accordingly, the electric line disposed on the upper body <NUM> and the electric line disposed on the lower body <NUM> may be connected by the external electric line connector <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent entangling of the electric line connecting between the lower body <NUM> and the upper body <NUM> according to the rotation of the upper body <NUM>.

In addition, since the sensor <NUM> is installed on the second body <NUM> of the swivel joint <NUM>, the operator may easily access the sensor <NUM> for maintenance. Specifically, connection between the external electric line connector <NUM> installed at the rotation body <NUM> and the electric line may be released. Thereafter, the operator may remove the guide pipe <NUM> from the first body <NUM> for inspection of the sensor <NUM> installed at an upper portion of the swivel joint <NUM> and remove the support <NUM> from the second body <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to easily access the sensor <NUM>.

In such a case, by releasing a fastening member such as a bolt from the first body <NUM>, the guide support <NUM> fastened thereto may be removed in a lower direction of the lower body <NUM>. That is, the guide pipe <NUM> may be removed in a lower direction of the lower body <NUM>, so that collision between the upper body reinforcing surface <NUM> and the guide pipe <NUM> may be effectively prevented. In addition, the coupling groove <NUM> of the guide pipe <NUM> is fitted with the third protrusion <NUM> of the securing bracket <NUM>, so that the guide pipe <NUM> may be effectively removed without additional releasing of a fastening member. In other words, when accessing the sensor <NUM> for inspection or maintenance, the guide pipe <NUM> may be removed in the lower direction of the lower body <NUM> so that collision between the guide pipe <NUM> and the upper body <NUM> may be effectively prevented.

In such a configuration, in the swivel joint <NUM> according to an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> is installed above or on the second body <NUM> so that a relative rotation angle of the upper body <NUM> and the lower body <NUM> may be effectively detected. In addition, the swivel joint <NUM> may be easily accessed for maintenance of the sensor <NUM> installed therein.

As set forth hereinabove, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a swivel joint and a construction machine including the swivel joint are equipped with a sensor capable of detecting a relative rotation angle between the upper body and the lower body, thereby improving the operator's accessibility for maintenance of the sensor.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms.

Claim 1:
A swivel joint (<NUM>) for connecting hydraulic oil between a lower body (<NUM>) of a construction machine and an upper body (<NUM>) rotatably supported by the lower body (<NUM>), the swivel joint comprising:
a rotation support body (<NUM>) comprising a first body (<NUM>) supported by the lower body (<NUM>) and a second body (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the first body (<NUM>) and rotating together with the upper body (<NUM>) when the upper body rotates; and
a sensor (<NUM>) comprising a detector (<NUM>) rotating together with the second body (<NUM>) and a relative detector (<NUM>) supported by the lower body (<NUM>) and providing relative rotation information between the upper body (<NUM>) and the lower body (<NUM>) to the detector (<NUM>), the sensor (<NUM>) being supported by the rotation support body (<NUM>) to detect rotation of the upper body (<NUM>);
characterized by
a second through hole (<NUM>) defined inside the second body (<NUM>); and
a guide pipe (<NUM>) disposed in the second through hole (<NUM>) and supporting the relative detector (<NUM>).