Connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems, orientable connector and method of assembly associated therewith

Abstract

A connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems having a receiver block is provided, which has one or more connection holes; at least one orientable connector which has an input and/or output section and a connection end; and a fixing plate configured to fix the orientable connector to the receiver block. Where the orientable connector has a head provided with orientation means arranged between the input and/or output section and the connection end; and where the fixing plate has complementary orientation means configured to fit with the orientation means of the head to fix an orientation position (P.sub.3) of the orientable connector, the head being arranged between the fixing plate and the receiver block.

Claims

1. A connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems comprising: a receiver block which has or more connection holes; at least one orientable connector which has an input and/or output section and a connection end configured to be inserted into a connection hole to establish hydraulic communication between the receiver block and the orientable connector; and a fixing plate configured to fix the orientable connector to the receiver block, wherein the at least one orientable connector comprises a head provided with orientation means arranged between the input and/or output section and the connection end; wherein the fixing plate comprises complementary orientation means configured to fit with the orientation means of the head to fix an orientation position of the orientable connector, the head being arranged between the fixing plate and the receiver block; wherein the head further comprises: a flat support face from which the connection end perpendicularly extends; and a flat orientation face, opposite the flat support face, on which the orientation means are located, and wherein the receiver block is a control unit of a wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) or a control unit of a stability control system of a vehicle.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises at least one curved or tapered side face arranged between the flat support face and the flat orientation face.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the orientation means comprise a protruding element; and in that the complementary orientation means comprise an orientation hole, where the protruding element is configured to fit into the orientation hole in the orientation position of the orientable connector without the possibility of said orientable connector rotating once fitted.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connection end is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the input and/or output section.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the receiver block comprises one or more threaded holes, each one configured to allow the threading of a first end of a fixing screw; and in that the fixing plate comprises one or more through-holes, each one configured to allow the passage of the first end of a fixing screw and retain a second end of said fixing screw.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing plate comprises at least one opening configured to receive a connector without orientation.

7. A method of assembly of a connection device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a) inserting the connection end of the orientable connector into a connection hole of the receiver block to establish hydraulic communication between the receiver block and the orientable connector; and b) fixing the orientable connector to the receiver block by means of the fixing plate; wherein the step b) further comprises the following steps: b1) arranging the head of the orientable connector between the fixing plate and the receiver block; b2) fitting the orientation means of the head with the complementary orientation means of the fixing plate to establish an orientation position of the orientable connector; and b3) fixing the fixing plate to the receiver block, the orientable connector being in the orientation position.

8. The method of assembly according to claim 7, wherein step b2) further comprises the following step: b2.1) fitting a protruding element of the orientation means into an orientation hole of the complementary orientation means without the possibility of said orientable connector rotating once fitted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A series of drawings will be described below very briefly which will aid a better understanding of the invention and they expressly relate to various embodiments of the same which are presented as non-limiting examples thereof.

(2) FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention according to a first exemplary embodiment.

(3) FIG. 2 represents an exploded view of the connection device of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of the receiver block of the connection device of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of the orientable connector of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 represents a side view of the orientable connector of FIG. 4.

(7) FIG. 6 represents an upper plan view of the orientable connector of FIG. 4.

(8) FIG. 7 represents a lower plan view of the orientable connector of FIG. 4.

(9) FIG. 8 represents a partially sectioned side view of the orientable connector of FIG. 4.

(10) FIG. 9 represents a perspective view of the fixing plate of the connection device of FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 10 represents an upper plan view of the fixing plate of FIG. 9.

(12) FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention according to a second exemplary embodiment.

(13) FIG. 12 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention according to a third exemplary embodiment.

(14) FIG. 13 represents an exploded view of the connection device of FIG. 12.

(15) FIG. 14 represents a perspective view of the non-orientable connector of FIG. 12.

(16) FIG. 15 represents a side view of the non-orientable connector of FIG. 14.

(17) FIG. 16 represents a partially sectioned side view of the non-orientable connector of FIG. 14.

(18) FIG. 17 represents a perspective view of the fixing plate of the connection device of FIG. 12.

(19) FIG. 18 represents an upper plan view of the fixing plate of FIG. 17.

(20) FIG. 19 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

(21) FIG. 20 represents a perspective view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 19.

(22) FIG. 21 represents a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 20.

(23) FIG. 22 represents a partially sectioned side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 20.

(24) FIG. 23 represents a transverse section of the receiver block along the A-A cut line of FIG. 19.

(25) FIG. 24 represents a perspective view of the fixing plate of the connection device according to a particular case.

(26) FIG. 25 represents an exploded view of the connection device of the present invention according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

(27) FIG. 26 represents an exploded view of the connection device of the present invention according to a sixth exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(28) FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, represent a perspective view and an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention according to a first exemplary embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or control unit (2) with two channels, to which four orientable connectors (3) connect in an orientation position (P.sub.3) specific for each one.

(29) As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connection device (1) comprises: a receiver block (2) which has four connection holes (21), FIG. 3; four orientable hydraulic connectors (3), each one of which has an input and/or output section (31), and a connection end (32) configured to be inserted into the corresponding connection hole (21) with the aim of establishing hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the orientable connector (3); and a fixing plate (4), preferably metal, configured to fix the orientable connector (3) to the receiver block (2).

(30) Each orientable connector (3) comprises a head (33) provided with orientation means (34) arranged between the input and/or output section (31) and the connection end (32) and configured to establish hydraulic communication between both (31, 32). At the same time, the fixing plate (4) comprises complementary orientation means (44) configured to fit with the orientation means (34) of the head (33) to fix an orientation position (P.sub.3) of the orientable connector (3), the head (33) being arranged between the fixing plate (4) and the receiver block (2).

(31) Thus, the orientation means (34) of the head (33), in cooperation with the complementary orientation means (44) of the fixing plate (4), determine the output or orientation angle of the orientable connector (3). According to the present example, the output of the orientable connectors (3) is carried out perpendicular to the receiver block (2) with respect to the front face (0°) and to the rear face of the same (180°). Therefore, in this case, the orientable connectors (3) can fit into symmetric positions of 0° and 180°.

(32) The fixing means, which allow the fixing plate (4) to be fixed to the receiver block (2), comprise the use of a fixing screw (5) which works, in cooperation with the fixing plate (4) and the receiver block (2). To this end, the receiver block (2) comprises a threaded hole (22), FIG. 3, configured to allow the threading of a first end (51) of the fixing screw (5), while the fixing plate (4) comprises a through-hole (41) configured to allow the passage of the first end (51) of the fixing screw (5) and retain a second end (52) of said fixing screw (5), said second end (52) being the head of the screw.

(33) Once the orientable connectors (3) are connected to the receiver block (2), the orientation means (34) of the head (33) fitted with the complementary orientation means (44) of the fixing plate (4) and said fixing plate (4) fixed to the receiver block (2) by means of the fixing screw (5), the heads (33) of said connectors (3) are firmly secured between the fixing plate (4) and the receiver block (2), maintaining the four orientable connectors (3) in their specific orientation position (P.sub.3).

(34) FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of the receiver block (2) of the connection device (1) of FIG. 1. Said figure shows in greater detail the four connection holes (21) configured to receive, each one of them, a connection end (32) of an orientable connector (3), and the threaded hole (22) which allows the fixing plate (4) to be fixed to the receiver block (2).

(35) As can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 7, the orientable connector (3) for connection devices of vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention comprises an input and/or output section (31) and a connection end (32).

(36) Said orientable connector (3) is characterised in that it comprises a head (33) provided with orientation means (34) arranged between the input and/or output section (31) and the connection end (32) and configured to establish hydraulic communication between both (31, 32). According to the present example, the head (33) has a substantially cube configuration.

(37) The head (33) comprises: a flat support face (331) from which the connection end (32) perpendicularly extends; and a flat orientation face (332), opposite the flat support face (331), on which the orientation means (34) are located.

(38) The orientation means (34) comprise a protruding element (341) which has a configuration mixed between a square prism and a cylinder, having two flat side walls (342) arranged between two curved side walls (343).

(39) The connection end (32) of the orientable connector (3) is arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to the input and/or output section (31).

(40) The connection end (32) comprises one or more circular grooves (321) concentric to its axial axis, configured to house rubber O-rings, not illustrated, configured to ensure the leak-tightness and/or sealing of the connection of the orientable connector (3) to the receiver block (2).

(41) As can be seen in FIG. 8, the orientable connector (3) comprises interior ducts (35) enabling the circulation of a fluid which allows hydraulic communication to be established between the input and/or output section (31) and the input and/or output mouth (36) arranged at the connection end (32).

(42) As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fixing plate (4) comprises complementary orientation means (44) configured to fit with the orientation means (34) of the head (33) to fit an orientation position (P.sub.3) of the orientable connector (3).

(43) According to the present exemplary embodiment, the complementary orientation means (44) comprise four orientation holes (441) in each of which the protruding element (341) of the corresponding orientable connector (3) fits in the orientation position (P.sub.3) of the same without allowing the rotation of said orientable connector (3) once fitted. The exterior contour of the protruding element (341) coincides with the interior contour of the orientation hole (441) so that they fit suitably and tightly to maintain the orientation position (P.sub.3).

(44) The fixing plate (4) comprises a through-hole (41) configured to allow the passage of the first end (51) of the fixing screw (5) and retain the second end or head (52) of said fixing screw (5).

(45) FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention according to a second exemplary embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or control unit (2) with one channel to which two orientable connectors (3) connect in an orientation position (P.sub.3) specific for each one of them.

(46) As can be seen, the fixing plate (4) has a geometry and/or constructive configuration especially adapted to be used with two orientable connectors (3), having a more reduced and optimised size to occupy the smallest possible space in the connection device (1). Given that the fixing plate (4) is passed through perpendicularly by the fixing screw (5) and at least by one protruding element (34), in this case two, they block and/or impede any rotational movement both of the fixing plate (4) itself and of the orientable connectors (3), once they are fixed to the support block (2).

(47) FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively, represent a perspective view and an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention according to a third exemplary embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver bock or control unit (2) with two channels to which two orientable connectors (3) connect in an orientation position (P.sub.3) specific for each one of them, and two connectors without orientation (6) which come out vertically from said receiver block (2).

(48) As can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the connector without orientation (6) comprises an input and/or output section (61) and a connection end (62) configured to be inserted into the corresponding connection hole (21) of the receiver block (2) with the aim of establishing hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the connector without orientation (6).

(49) Additionally, the connector without orientation (6) comprises a perimeter ridge (63) which protrudes perpendicularly from the connector without orientation (6) around the same, arranged between the input and/or output section (61) and the connection end (62).

(50) The perimeter ridge (63) is arranged just below the fixing plate (4) once the connectors (3, 6) are connected to the receiver block (2) and the fixing plate (4) fixed to the same. That is to say, also arranged between the fixing plate (4) and the receiver block (2). In this way, the perimeter ridge (63) impedes the connector without orientation (6) being disconnected and/or coming loose from the receiver block (2) in conditions of use. At the same time, the surface of the fixing plate (4) is configured to press against the perimeter ridge (63) to keep the connector without orientation (6) firmly secured to the receiver block (2).

(51) The connection end (62) of the connector without orientation (6) is arranged aligned with respect to the input and/or output section (61).

(52) The connection end (62) comprises one or more circular grooves (621) concentric to its axial axis, configured to house rubber O-rings, not illustrated, configured to ensure the leak-tightness and/or sealing of the connection of the connector without orientation (6) to the receiver block (2).

(53) As can be seen in FIG. 16, the connector without orientation (6) comprises interior ducts (65) enabling the circulation of a fluid which allows hydraulic communication to be established between the input and/or output section (61) and the input and/or output mouth (66) arranged at the connection end (62).

(54) As can be seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the fixing plate (4) comprises two openings (42), each one of them configured to receive a connector without orientation (6). The diameter of said openings (42) is smaller than the diameter of the perimeter ridge (63) of the connector without orientation (6) with the aim of ensuring that it is correctly secured.

(55) The openings (42) facilitate the mounting of the fixing plate (4), allowing both the fitting of the orientation means (34, 44) and securing of the perimeter ridge (63) once the connectors (3, 6) are connected to the receiver block (2).

(56) FIG. 19 represents a perspective view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or control unit (2) with three channels to which two orientable connectors (3) connect in an orientation position (P.sub.3) specific for each one of them, two connectors without orientation (6) which come out vertically from said receiver block (2), and two auxiliary connectors (7).

(57) In this case, the connection device (1) is complemented by two auxiliary connectors (7) which are connected at the front to the receiver block (2), being retained to the same by means of a retaining element (8).

(58) As can be seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, the auxiliary connector (7) for connection devices of vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention comprises an input and/or output section (71) and a connection end (72).

(59) The auxiliary connector (7) comprises a head (73) arranged between the input and/or output section (71) and the connection end (72) configured to establish hydraulic communication between both (71, 72). According to the present example, the head (73) has a substantially cube configuration,

(60) The head (73) comprises a flat support surface (731) from which the connection end (72) extends perpendicularly and a flat face (732), opposite the flat support face (731).

(61) The connection end (72) of the auxiliary connector (7) is arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to the input and/or output section (71).

(62) The connection end (72) comprises one or more circular grooves (721) concentric to its axial axis, configured to house rubber O-rings, not illustrated, configured to ensure the leak-tightness and/or sealing of the connection of the auxiliary connector (7) to the receiver block (2).

(63) The connection end (72) also comprises a circular groove (722) concentric to the axial axis configured to partially house the retaining element (8), FIG. 23.

(64) As can be seen in FIG. 22, the auxiliary connector (7) comprises interior ducts (75) enabling the circulation of a fluid which allows hydraulic communication to be established between the input and/or output section (71) and the input and/or output mouth (76) arranged at the connection end (72).

(65) As can be seen in FIG. 23, the circular groove (722) is configured to partially house the retaining element (8), whilst the other part of said retaining element (8) is housed in a connector hole (23) of the receiver block (2). Therefore, the retaining element (8) keeps the auxiliary connector (7) attached to the receiver block (3) once they are connected.

(66) FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of the fixing plate (4) of the connection device (1) according to a particular case. Specifically, providing the complementary orientation means (44) for orientable connectors (3) at an end of the fixing plate (4) and the openings (42) for connectors without orientation (6) at the other end, leaving the through-hole (41) in the middle.

(67) FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or control unit (2) with two channels to which four orientable connectors (3) connect in an orientation position (P.sub.3) specific for each one of them. In which two fixing screws (5) are also used to fix the fixing plate (4) to the receiver block (2).

(68) According to the present exemplary embodiment, the head (33) of each orientable connector (3) also comprises a curved side face (333) arranged between the flat support face (331) and the flat orientation face (332). This allows a greater space to be generated between the heads (33) so that the fixing screws (5) fit.

(69) FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention according to a sixth exemplary embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or control unit (2) with two channels to which four orientable connectors (3) connect in an orientation position (P.sub.3) specific for each one of them. In which two fixing screws (5) are also used to fix the fixing plate (4) to the receiver block (2).

(70) According to the present exemplary embodiment, the head (33) of each orientable connector (3) has a substantially hexagonal shape or at least a tapered side face (334) with the aim of generating a greater space between the heads (33) so that the fixing screws (5) fit.

(71) For all the embodiments of the connection device (1) previously described, the method of assembly of the present invention has at least the following steps in common: a) inserting the connection end (32) of an orientable connector (3) into a connection hole (21) of the receiver block (2) to establish hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the orientable connector (3); a1) repeating step a) for the rest of the orientable connectors (3); and b) fixing the orientable connectors (3) to the receiver block (2) by means of the fixing plate (4). Where step b) comprises the following steps: b1) arranging the heads (33) of the orientable connectors (3) between the fixing plate (4) and the receiver block (2); b2) fitting the orientation means (34) of the heads (33) with the complementary orientation means (44) of the fixing plate (4) to establish an orientation position (P.sub.3) of each orientable connector (3); and b3) fixing the fixing plate (4) to the receiver block (2), the orientable connectors (3) being in the orientation position (P.sub.3). And where step b2) comprises the following step: b2.1) fitting each protruding element (341) of the orientation means (34) in an orientation hole (441) of the complementary orientation means (44) without the possibility of said orientable connectors (3) rotating once fitted.