EP2350460B1 - Hydraulic assembly with tank - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a hydraulic unit for actuating at least one movable component, in particular a moving in a top movement of a convertible vehicle vehicle device, with a tank according to the closer defined in the preamble of claim 1. Art.

Hydraulic units of the type mentioned above with a tank, which has a closure element to be closed, leading into the environment outlet opening, are in practice in a variety of configurations, for example from the DE 43 24 053 A1 and the US 5,435,454 A known. Usually, in these conventional closures of an outlet opening of an oil container, a closure screw is used, which is screwed by means of a thread in the outlet opening and must be sealed therein.

Such screw connections are cost-intensive, in particular for larger diameters of the outlet opening, and require an effort that is not to be underestimated, especially in flow production.

Furthermore, from the US 4,047,048 A a hydraulic unit with a tank known in which the tank is closed by a snap connection.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hydraulic unit of a hydraulic system for actuating at least one movable component, in particular a moving in a top movement of a convertible vehicle equipment, with a tank and a closing element to be closed, leading into the environment outlet opening in which a particularly effective sealing of the outlet opening can be realized.

This object is achieved in a hydraulic unit of the type mentioned above with the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

The invention thus provides a hydraulic unit for actuating at least one movable component, in particular a moving in a convertible top movement of a convertible vehicle equipment in front, containing a hydraulic medium, hydraulically connected to a hydraulic pump tank, wherein the tank has an outlet opening to the environment, which can be closed sealed by a closure element, wherein a closure cover is provided as the closure element, which is fixable by means of a touch-locking device on a housing part of the tank. According to the invention the outlet opening is formed like a collar, wherein the closure lid engages with a plug-like portion in the collar-like outlet opening.

The embodiment of the invention enables a particularly effective sealing of the outlet opening, wherein a seal, in particular an O-ring seal, between the closure lid and the housing intended for receiving its part of the tank, preferably in the region of a wall of the outlet opening can be arranged.

In contrast to more complicated known types of closure of the outlet opening of the tank is advantageously carried out when using a touch-locking device according to the invention, only one latching after placement of the closure lid on the surrounding the outlet opening housing part.

This unusually simple and inexpensive way of closing the outlet opening requires no precision components, is easy to install and also has the advantage that the outlet opening can be formed even without significant additional costs with a comparatively large diameter, which would involve high costs with respect to the screw plug when using a conventional screw plug. Moreover, with a large screw diameter, there would be a risk that the thread would no longer be able to transmit the required force.

The possible with the cap according to the invention large diameter dimensioning of the outlet opening of the tank has the advantage that, for example, simultaneously with a lance vacuum can be pulled and with another lance filling is performed.

In hydraulic units, which can be used in a hydraulic system for driving a top mechanism and a top compartment lid and a trunk lid of a convertible vehicle, investigations have shown that the possible with the inventive design of the closure of the outlet opening of the tank filling with two lances simultaneously about one saves half a minute during a filling process. This machine time brings a significant cost savings, especially since the closure lid, which can be made for example from conventional plastic materials, anyway much cheaper than a screw plug of conventional type.

While conventional, closable with a screw plug outlet openings for this application have a diameter of, for example, 7 mm, in an inventively designed hydraulic unit of the same dimensions, the outlet opening has a diameter greater than 10 mm, in particular in a range between 15 mm and 25 mm.

Another advantage of an attachment latching device according to the invention is that the hereby possible Verclipsung the closure lid with the outlet opening surrounding the housing part of the tank without material abrasion is possible, whereby a possible when screwing a metal screw plug on a plastic thread of a tank chip formation and avoid consequent contamination of the oil in the tank.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the housing part of the tank intended for receiving the closure cap is designed as a flange, wherein at least one first latching means is formed on an outside of the flange-like housing part and at least one second latching means, which cooperates with the first latching means, on an inner contour of the closure lid , In this case, at least one of the first or second latching means is expediently designed to be flexible such that the closure lid can be pushed onto the housing part of the tank intended for receiving it under temporary deformation of the latching means until the latching means engages with the corresponding latching means in latching engagement.

In a simple embodiment, the first latching means or the second latching means may be formed as a groove-like recess and the second latching means or first latching means cooperating therewith as a deformable latching tab having a projection extending in the circumferential direction.

Such a latching tab, of which preferably several are arranged distributed on the closure lid over its circumference, preferably represents a resilient clip element, which easily with a service tool, such. As a screwdriver, for loosening and removing the cap from the groove-like recess can be lifted. The engagement and disengagement of a closure lid designed in this way is possible without damage.

In order to achieve a desired spring effect of the latching tabs, it is advantageous if the diameter of the closure lid is widened in the region of a latching tab.

A disassembly of the closure lid facilitating embodiment of the hydraulic unit according to the invention can provide that on the outside of the flange-like housing part adjacent to an edge of the closure lid in the locked state a Werkzeugingriffsnut is formed, in which a service tool for releasing the latching connection of the Aufsetz-Verrast device, in particular by temporary radial bending of the closure lid, can be used. The closure lid can thus be easily levered out of its engaging engagement detent position.

According to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of a hydraulic unit according to the invention, a hydraulic pump containing the housing of a particular multi-part, at least continue an electric motor housing for a hydraulic pump driving electric motor having housing connected to the tank, the tank in particular coaxial with the pump housing and the Electric motor housing is arranged.

In this way, a particularly compact unit, which is suitable as a small aggregate for a wide variety of applications arises.

For easy connection of the formed as an oil tank tanks to the pump housing, the latter may have at its end facing away from the electric motor housing a pot-like flange to which the tank is mounted sealed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electric motor housing and the pump housing without direct investment. be connected to each other via a plastic connecting element.

Such a configuration of a hydraulic unit has the advantage that a plastic housing connecting the pump housing and the electric motor housing cost and with any connection means such. B. a separate connection means unnecessary clip device may be formed.

Since plastic can be designed easily with a bending behavior, which on the one hand has a temporary deformation in a connection of the connecting element with the pump housing and the electric motor housing and at the same time a sufficient strength for holding the housing components, there is in the design of the connection with a plastic fastener much greater freedom than is given for example in the direct connection of metal components.

Such a compound has the further advantage that a highly effective sealing of the electric motor housing and thus of the electric motor of the pump housing and the work space contained therein of the hydraulic pump is possible by the connecting element made of plastic, whereby there is a high requirements fulfilling corrosion protection for the electric motor.

Furthermore, it has been found that due to the greater elasticity and the better damping properties of plastic compared to metal materials and as a result of the complete decoupling of the electric motor housing from the pump housing by the plastic connecting element, a significant reduction in the noise generated in the hydraulic unit is achieved.

A particularly simple assembly of the hydraulic unit is made possible when the connecting element is connected in each case via at least one plug-and-lock connection with the electric motor housing and the pump housing. In this case, the electric motor housing and the pump housing can be easily pushed onto the connecting element until a latching connection engages. Such a screwless connection is easy to produce during assembly and does not require storage of additional, also the weight of the hydraulic unit increasing fasteners such. B. screws.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting element may each have a cylindrical pot for connection to the electric motor housing and the pump housing, which each have a cylindrical surface and are in particular arranged coaxially to each other. Thus, the plastic connector itself is a kind of housing which accommodates the electric motor housing and the pump housing at least partially.

The hydraulic unit according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a hydraulic system which controls actuators which serve for a top movement of a convertible vehicle, including moving vehicle parts such as a top compartment lid and a boot lid. Depending on the design, however, such a hydraulic unit is also conceivable for other applications, such. B. for work functions in construction or agricultural machinery, in aircraft and machine tool.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of a hydraulic unit according to the invention will become apparent from the claims, the drawings and the description.

Hereinafter, an advantageous embodiment of an inventively designed hydraulic unit for a hood of a convertible vehicle is described in principle with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1

einen vereinfachten Längsschnitt durch ein hydraulisches Aggregat eines Hydrauliksystems zur Betätigung wenigstens einer bei einer Verdeckbewegung eines Cabriolet-Fahrzeugs bewegten Fahrzeugeinrichtung;

Fig. 2

einen um 90° versetzten weiteren Längsschnitt durch das hydraulische Aggregat der Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine vereinfachte dreidimensionale Darstellung des hydraulischen Aggregats der Fig. 1 und Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Stators einer Hydraulikpumpe des hydraulischen Aggregats der Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3 sowie Kolben eines als Zylinderstern ausgebildeten, mit dem Stator zusammenwirkenden Rotors der Hydraulikpumpe in Alleinstellung; und

Fig. 5

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Verschlussdeckels eines Tanks des hydraulischen Aggregats der Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3 in Alleinstellung.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a simplified longitudinal section through a hydraulic unit of a hydraulic system for actuating at least one moving in a top movement of a convertible vehicle vehicle device;

Fig. 2

a 90 ° offset further longitudinal section through the hydraulic unit of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a simplified three-dimensional representation of the hydraulic unit of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

a three-dimensional view of a stator of a hydraulic pump of the hydraulic unit of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 as well as a piston designed as a cylinder star, cooperating with the stator rotor of the hydraulic pump in isolation; and

Fig. 5

a three-dimensional view of a cap of a tank of the hydraulic unit of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in isolation.

Referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is a hydraulic unit 1 of a hydraulic system for actuating a non-illustrated convertible top of a convertible vehicle and further involved in a top movement vehicle components such as a top compartment lid and a boot lid, the hydraulic unit 1 has a multi-part housing 3, which has an electric motor housing 5 for Receiving an only symbolically indicated electric motor 7, a pump housing 9 for receiving a driven by the electric motor 7 hydraulic pump 11, a connecting the electric motor housing 5 with the pump housing 9 connecting element 13 made of plastic and a connected to the pump housing 9 tank 15 for receiving a hydraulic medium, which represents the working fluid of the hydraulic pump 11 has.

With regard to its functioning, the hydraulic unit 1 is constructed in a manner known per se. The hydraulic pump 11 is z. For example, in this case a conventional radial piston pump with a trained as a cylinder star rotor 17 which is displaceable by the electric motor 7 via a central motor shaft 19 and a clutch 21 in rotation and thereby rotates about a mounted in the pump housing 9, a control pin performing stator 23. For supporting the rotor 17 in the pump housing 9, a bearing device 25 is provided, which is arranged on a shoulder in the pump housing 9.

Upon rotation of the rotor 17 radially arranged in the rotor piston 27, which in the Fig. 4 are more apparent, a lifting movement, wherein in the stator 23 via a sucked first oil, via a first axial channel 31 to the rotor 17 and compressed via a second axial channel 33 and a second radial bore 35 connected thereto is discharged to a pressure side.

In the present case, the hydraulic pump 11 and the electric motor 7 can be operated in both directions of rotation, the assignment of the radial bores 29, 35 from or to the stator 23 to a suction side or pressure side corresponding to the direction of rotation of the hydraulic pump 11 and the electric motor. 7

The hydraulic pump 11 is further connected in a conventional manner hydraulically with valves in a connected to the pump housing 9 valve block 37 and a hydraulic channel 39 with an interior 41 of the tank 15.

All the housing components of the housing 3, namely the electric motor housing 5, the pump housing 9, the self-plastic connector performing connecting element 13 and the tank 15 are detachably connected to each other, wherein the electric motor housing 5 and the pump housing 9 without direct contact with each other via the plastic connector 13 and formed thereon plug-and-detent connections 43, 45, 47 are connected.

As in particular the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen, both the cylindrical with a lateral surface 49 and formed respectively at the ends of the lateral surface 49 bottoms 51, 53 formed electric motor housing 5 and coaxially thereto, also cylindrical with respect to an inner circumferential surface 55 formed pump housing 9 in or on the Pushed plastic connector 13. For this purpose, the connecting element 13 has in each case a cylindrical receiving pot 57 and 59 for connection to the electric motor housing 5 and the pump housing 9.

Between the receiving pots 57, 59 of the plastic connecting element 13, a passage opening 61 for the motor shaft 19 is provided coaxially to a corresponding passage 63 through a first pump housing 9 facing bottom 51 of the bottoms of the electric motor housing 5.

In contrast to the electric motor housing 5, the pump housing 9 is formed only with a bottom 65 at the end remote from the electric motor 5 end of its cylindrical outer surface 55 and pot-shaped open in the direction of the electric motor housing 5, wherein the pump housing 9 with the electric motor housing 5 end facing his cylindrical lateral surface 55 is guided over the associated receiving pot 59 of the connecting element 13. The pump housing 9 is pushed for attachment to the plastic connecting element 13 in this case over the outer periphery of the second pot of the connecting element 13, wherein the free outer peripheral edge 67 of the second pot 59 of the connecting element 13 is designed as a run-on slope for ease of pushing on.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the pump housing is inserted with a corresponding outer contour analogous to the receptacle of the electric motor housing 5 on an inner circumference of the lateral surface of the second receiving pot of the plastic connecting element 13.

To form the plug-and-detent connections 43, 45, 47, protrusions 69, 71, 73 and corresponding recesses 70, 72, 74 are formed on both the connecting element 13 and the electric motor housing 5 and the pump housing 9 of the connecting element 13 come into operative contact with the electric motor housing 5 and the pump housing 9 and cause an anti-rotation or axial locking of the pump housing 9 and electric motor housing 5 relative to the plastic connecting element 13.

Specifically, in the embodiment shown, recesses 70 are provided on the first bottom 51 of the electric motor housing 5 facing the hydraulic pump 11, which are arranged in a bolt circle thereon and also serve to vent the interior of the electric motor housing 5, to cooperate with correspondingly shaped, pin-like projections 69 When the electric motor housing 5 is pushed into the associated first receiving pot 57 of the plastic connecting element 13, the projections 69 and recesses 70 engage with one another and bring about an anti-rotation lock of the electric motor housing 5.

At the same time the outer surface of the electric motor housing 5 slides when inserted into the first pot 57 of the plastic connecting element 13 on axially in a region facing away from the hydraulic pump 11, radially inwardly projecting and having a run-on slope, a projection 71 forming noses, which in the end position of Electric motor housing 5 engage on the connecting element 13 in corresponding recesses 72, which are hole-like around the circumference of the lateral surface 49 of the electric motor housing 5 and in addition to the axial locking of the electric motor housing 5 on the connecting element 13 also serve a ventilation of the interior of the electric motor housing 5.

Again Fig. 1 can be seen, have in the region of the radially inwardly projecting lugs 71 identically shaped lugs 76 to the outside, whereupon, for example, a protective cap, not shown, can be attached.

Analogous to the fixing of the electric motor housing 5 to the plastic connecting element 13 is between the lateral surface of the second, the receptacle of the pump housing 3 associated receiving pot 59 of the connecting element 13 and the inner circumferential surface 55 of the pump housing 9, a projection 73 on the part of the connecting element 13 and a groove-like recess 74 formed on the inner wall of the pump housing 9.

The hydraulic unit 1 is completely sealed against the environment and between an inner space 10 of the pump housing 9 and the electric motor housing 5, wherein the seal between the hydraulic pump 11 containing the interior 10 of the pump housing 9 and the pot 57 of the connecting element 13 for the electric motor housing 5 by means of a Radial shaft sealing ring 75, which is arranged on one of the interior 10 of the pump housing facing shoulder of the plastic connecting element 13 and in this case surrounds the motor shaft 19 in the region of the passage 63 through the bottom 51 of the first pot 57, takes place.

For sealing the hydraulic pump 11 containing and functioning as a working space thereof interior 10 of the pump housing 9 with respect to the environment between the outer surface of the second, the recording of the pump housing 9 associated receiving pot 59 of the connecting element 13 and the inner circumferential surface 55 of the pump housing 9 as an O Ring seal formed seal 77 arranged.

Like that Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen, are still designed as an O-ring seal gaskets 79, 81, 83 provided in the storage area of the stator 23 of the hydraulic pump 11 in the bottom 65 of the pump housing 9.

The bottom 65 of the pump housing 9 has for storage of the stator 23 has a central up to the interior 41 of the tank 15 reaching opening 66, in which the stator 23 is arranged with a clearance fit.

The formed in the stator 23, radial, leading to hydraulic lines recesses 29, 35 are arranged at different axial height of the stator 23 and from each other via one between the stator 23 and the surrounding material of the opening 66 of the pump housing 9 arranged, each as O. Ring seal trained sealant 79, 81, 83 sealed.

For closing the blind holes formed as, the radial recesses or holes 29, 35 with the rotor 17 of the hydraulic pump 11 connecting axial channels 31, 33 at its free axial end herein is a respective plug 85, 87 inserted from plastic sealing material.

For axial securing of the stator 23 in the pump housing 9, a recess 91 formed as a recess is formed on the stator 23, into which aluminum material of the surrounding pump housing 9 is pressed by means of a stamping process.

To prevent rotation of the stator 23 in the pump housing 9 two formed on opposite sides of the stator 23 Teilkreisscheibenartige milled cuts or key surfaces 83 are provided, in turn, the aluminum material of the surrounding pump housing 9 is embossed in a further embossing step.

How very clear that Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen, the pump housing 9 in the illustrated embodiment with the hydraulic medium-containing tank 15, which is arranged coaxially to the pump housing 9 and the electric motor housing 5, connected via a pot-shaped flange 95 sealed, wherein the cup-shaped flange is disposed on the electric motor housing 5 opposite end of the pump housing 9.

The connection in this case again takes place in such a way that the housing of the tank 15 is inserted into the cup-shaped flange 95 with a projection 97 formed on its outer circumference, wherein the bead-like projection 97 engages in a groove-like recess 99 on the inner wall of the cup-shaped flange 95.

For sealing against the environment, a seal 101 formed with an O-ring is inserted between the interior 41 of the tank 15 and the catch formed by the projection 97 and the recess 99.

Coaxially to the motor shaft 19 and the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic pump 11, the tank 15 at its end facing away from the hydraulic pump 11 an outlet opening 103 to the environment, which is closed by means of a closure lid 105.

The closure lid 105, which is made of an oil-resistant plastic, is fixed by means of a Aufsetz-Verrast device 107 on a housing part 109 of the tank 15, wherein the specific for receiving the closure lid 105 housing part 109 of the tank 15 is formed like a flange.

To form the Aufsetz-Verrast means 107 are on an outer side of the flange-like housing 109 first locking means 111 and at a particular in the Fig. 5 apparent inner contour 113 of the closure lid 105 second locking means 115 provided, which cooperate with the first locking means 111.

The first locking means 111 on the outer circumference of the flange-like housing part 109 are presently formed as a groove-like recess, while the here cooperating second locking means 115 are formed as deformable or resilient locking tabs made of plastic, which in the circumferential direction radially inwardly each have a projection 117, which in the groove-like recess 111 engages, have.

The plastic closure lid 105 is thus with the one to achieve a spring effect widening diameter of the closure lid 105 forming locking tabs 115 on the flange-like housing part 109 of the tank 15, which surrounds the outlet opening 103, slipped and pushed axially in the direction of the outlet opening 103, wherein the locking tabs 115 are temporarily bent outwards until they get into engagement with the groove-like recess 111 and lock it hereby.

To the cap 105 again simply with a common service tool such. B. a screwdriver, is on the outside of the flange-like housing part 109 adjacent to an edge 119 of the closure lid 105 a Werkzeugingriffsnut 121 formed by the edge 119 of the closure lid 105 and a shoulder of the housing 15 of the tank. By engaging in the Werkzeugingriffsnut with a suitable tool, the locking tabs 115 can be bent out of the groove-like recess 111, whereby the locking connection of the attachment latching device 107 is released and the closure lid 105 can be removed.

The outlet opening 103, which in the present case has a diameter of about 20 mm, is in the embodiment shown formed like a collar, wherein the closure lid 105 engages with a plug-like portion in the collar-like outlet opening 103. Between the wall of the outlet opening 103 and the plug-like portion 106 of the closure lid 105, a seal 123 designed as an O-ring seal is used, which seals the interior 41 of the tank 15 in the region of the closure lid 105 from the environment.

Claims (14)

1. A hydraulic assembly for actuating at least one movable component, in particular a vehicle device which is moved during the hood movement of a convertible vehicle, said assembly comprising a tank (15) which contains a hydraulic medium and is hydraulically connected to a hydraulic pump (11), said tank (15) comprising an outlet opening (103) to the environment, which opening (103) can be closed in a sealed manner by a closing element (105), said closing element being provided as a cap (105) which can be fixed to a housing part (109) of the tank (15) by means of a snap-fit device (107),
   characterised in that
   the outlet opening (103) is provided in the manner of a collar, the cap (105) entering into engagement with the collar-like opening (103) via a plug-like portion (106).
2. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing part (109) of the tank (15) which is designed to receive the cap (105) is provided in the manner of a flange, with at least a first latching means being provided on an external surface of the flange-like housing part (109) and at least a second latching means (115), cooperating with the first latching means (111), being provided on an internal contour (113) of the cap (105).
3. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 2, characterised in that at least one of said first or second latching means (111, 115) is provided to be flexible such that the cap (105) can be slid onto the housing part (109) of the tank (15), which is designed to receive the cap (105), by temporary deformation of the latching means (115) until the latching means (115) is in latching engagement with the corresponding latching means (111).
4. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the first latching means (111) or the second latching means (115) is provided as a groove-like recess (111) and the cooperating second latching means (115) or first latching means (111), respectively, is provided as a deformable latching tongue (115) with a projection (117) extending in a circumferential direction.
5. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 4, characterised in that a plurality of latching tongues (115) are arranged on the cap (105), distributed around its circumference.
6. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the diameter of the cap (105) is enlarged adjacent to a latching tongue (115).
7. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a tool-engagement groove (121) is formed adjacent to an edge (119) of the cap (105) in the latched condition, into which tool-engagement groove (121) a tool for releasing the latching connection of the snap-fit device (107) can be inserted, in particular by temporarily bending the cap (105) open in a radial direction.
8. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a seal (123), in particular an O-ring seal (123), is arranged between the cap (105) and the housing part (109) of the tank (15) designed for receiving said cap (105), preferably adjacent to a wall of the outlet opening (103).
9. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the outlet opening (103) has a diameter of greater than 10 mm, in particular between 15 mm and 25 mm.
10. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the cap (105) is made from a plastic material.
11. The hydraulic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a pump housing (9) of a housing (3), in particular a housing (3) comprising several parts and further including at least an electric motor housing (5) for an electric motor (7) driving the hydraulic pump (11), is connected to the tank (15), said pump housing (9) containing the hydraulic pump (11), and said tank (15) being arranged in particular coaxially with respect to the pump housing (9) and the electric motor housing (5).
12. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 11, characterised in that the pump housing (9) comprises, at its end turned away from the electric motor housing (5), a pot-like flange (95) for connecting the tank (15) in a sealed manner.
13. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the electric motor housing (5) and the pump housing (9) are connected to each other without direct mutual contact through a connecting element (13) made of a plastic material, said connecting element (13) comprising, in particular, respective cylindrical receiving pots (57, 59) for connection to the electric motor housing (5) and to the pump housing (9), which receiving pots (57, 59) each have a respective cylindrical lateral surface (49, 55) and are preferably arranged coaxially to one another.
14. The hydraulic assembly according to claim 13, characterised in that the connecting element (13) is respectively connected to the electric motor housing (5) and to the pump housing (9) by at least one plug-in catch connection (43, 45, 47).

Images