EP0038001A1 - Device with hydraulic stop - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Device with several parts (10, 11; 33, 34; 53, 54; 111, 119, 121) movable against each other, which can be stopped in several positions to each other, with the stop means (29, 30; 38, 40; 52, 55; 113) to be actuated by means of at least one actuator (3; 118, 135), each of which being equipped with a first elastically deformable container (16; 46; 61; 115, 136) filled with hydraulic fluid, each of which being hydraulically connected with a chamber (2; 96, 97; 104; 129) from which a force can be exerted upon the hydraulic fluid, characterized by - that the first elastically deformable container (16; 46; 61; 115, 136) is surrounded by first rigid walls (15, 25; 47, 49; 58, 62), at least one of which being at least partially movable, - that the chamber is formed as pressure chamber (2; 96, 97; 104; 129) surrounded by second rigid walls (11, 17, 26; 43, 45; 101, 107; 130, 131), - that an interconnecting duct (24; 35; 63), having a volume invariable with pressure, extends between the first elastically deformable container and the pressure chamber, and - that the hydraulic fluid in the first elastically deformable container (16; 46; 61; 115, 136) of the actuator (3; 118, 135) through movement of the movable first rigid wall (25; 47; 58; 112, 121) actuates the stop means (29, 30; 38, 40; 52, 55; 113).

Description

The invention relates to a device with several mutually movable parts, the position of which can be locked in several positions relative to one another, the locking means being actuated hydraulically.

Two groups of devices of this type are known, which always have pistons and cylinders and are therefore expensive. There are devices in which the locking means are pressed against one another by the piston force and thus a relative movement of the moving parts is prevented. But there are also devices with a closed hydraulic circuit, in which a cylinder is provided with a piston which is loaded with hydraulic fluid on both sides, the piston being connected to the moving parts by means of a rod and its position being locked by blocking a valve.

The device according to the invention requires neither pistons nor cylinders and is therefore inexpensive and maintenance-free.

The object of the invention is achieved in that the locking means are actuated with the aid of a container which is elastically deformable under hydraulic pressure.

In particular, it is provided that at least one actuating element, each with an elastically deformable container filled with hydraulic fluid, is provided, that the elastic container is surrounded by rigid walls, at least one of which is at least partially movable, that each elastic container is hydraulically connected to a pressure chamber that the connecting line has a volume which is independent of the pressure, that a force can be introduced mechanically onto the hydraulic fluid at each pressure chamber and that the hydraulic fluid in the elastic deformable container of the actuating element actuated the locking means by moving the movable, rigid wall.

In a further development of the invention it is provided that the pressure chamber consists of a container provided with rigid walls, in which an elastically deformable container is arranged, that at least part of at least one of the rigid walls of the container is movable for the mechanical introduction of a force, that by this movement of the elastic container is compressed and a part of the hydraulic fluid contained therein is pressed out, that the volume of the elastic container in the actuating element is increased by the displaced hydraulic fluid and that the movable rigid wall of the actuating element is thereby moved.

Several actuators can be operated simultaneously from one pressure chamber. In addition, the elastic container of the pressure chamber can act on locking means, so that the pressure chamber also takes over the function of an actuating element.

The locking effect of the device can be enhanced if the opposite surfaces of the locking means are designed so that there is self-locking due to shape.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• Fig. 1 illustrates the principle underlying the invention, wherein the elastic container of the actuating element in Fig. 1a is in the depressurized state and is under hydraulic pressure in Fig. 1b.
• Fig. 2 shows a device in which the elastic containers of the pressure chamber and the actuating element are arranged in the region of the locking means and the surface of the locking means is provided with a saw toothing.
• FIG. 3 shows a device in which the elastic container of the actuating element acts on the lever of a cable brake, a detail being shown enlarged in FIG. 3a.
• 4a shows a top view of the section through the pressure element of a device according to the invention, with which two separate pressure chambers can be actuated simultaneously.
• FIG. 4b shows a section along line BB in FIG. 4a and shows the pressure chamber in the unpressurized state.
• Fig. 4c shows the same section as Fig. 4b, but with the pressure chamber under pressure.
• FIG. 4d shows a section CC in FIG. 4b.
• Fig. 5 shows a device in which the locking is carried out with a pin engaging in a recess.
• 5a shows a section through the pressure element of this device, with which two separate pressure chambers are actuated in succession.

1 shows a device according to the invention, which serves to arrest the movement of two parts 10 and 11 which can be rotated relative to one another about axis 12. Parts 10 and 11 can correspond, for example, to the seat and back of an office chair.

. Device 1 is divided into two main parts, namely a pressure chamber 2 and an actuating element 3, which are connected by a hose 24 to a volume that is independent of the pressure.

In Fig. 1a device 1 is shown in the released state, in which the parts 10 and 11 can rotate against each other as desired. The likewise annular elastic container 16 arranged in a partially open, annular chamber 15 of the actuating element is depressurized and has an oval cross section. The spring washers 21 and 22 hold the rotatable parts 10 and 11 against each other and prevent tilting. The joint is held together by a rivet 20.

The open side of the chamber 15 is covered with a cover 25. Cover 25 is connected in a torsionally rigid manner with respect to part 11 by suitable means 9.

An elastic container 23 is present in a tubular pressure chamber, which, as shown in FIG. 1, can be identical to one of the rotatable parts, but can also be arranged separately. Part 11 of their and elastic container 23 are closed on the actuating element 3 at the ends 17 and 18, respectively.

In the event of simultaneous actuation of two actuating elements, for example in the case of two coaxial joints of vehicle seats with an adjustable backrest, the end 17, 18 which is closed in FIG. 1 is opened and connected to a further actuating element which is essentially the same as element 3, but on the second coaxial one Joint works.

The hydraulic pressure is generated in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that a pressure piece 26 is pressed with a lever 27 into a slot 28 in the pressure chamber 11. The elastic container 23 is thereby pressed together (FIG. 1b) and the other elastic container 16 is pressed apart. Locking surfaces 29 and 3 _0, which are firmly connected with the parts 1o and 11, respectively, are pressed by the pressure prevailing in the elastic container 16 hydraulic force against each other and thereby lock rotational movement of the parts 1o and 11 to each other.

It is obviously irrelevant to the invention that the elastic container 16 and the chamber 15 of the actuating element are arranged in a ring around the axis of rotation. For example, they can also be straight and lie on one side or fork-like on both sides of the axis of rotation.

Likewise, the hand-operated pressure chamber 2 shown in FIG. 1 can be replaced by another pressure chamber in which, for example, the hydraulic force is generated by a motor or pneumatically.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the rotational movement of two joints 31 and 32 is to be locked simultaneously. This can be the case, for example, in the case of two coaxial joints in a garden lounger, in which the angular position can be adjusted from a head part 33 relative to a central part 34. The two joints 31 and 32 are hydraulically connected by a hose 35 which is arranged, for example, in a footrest 36 of the garden lounger.

Head part 33 is firmly connected in articulation 31 with a locking means 37 and in articulation 32 with a locking means 38. Middle part 34 is firmly connected in articulation 31 with a locking means 39 and in articulation 32 with a locking means 40. The locking means 37 to 40 are designed as disks, which are provided with star teeth on the opposite sides. The star toothing has different inclinations of the flanks. The steep flanks of the teeth act in the direction of the greatest torque to be expected. Your inclination is preferably chosen so that self-locking positive locking occurs.

Joint 31 is shown in the locked state. The locking means 37 and 39 are pressed together via the elastic container 41 surrounded by rigid walls 43 and by a plate 45 which is connected to wall 43 in a rotationally fixed manner and is movable in the axial direction. The pressure force is applied by hand lever 51.

The hydraulic fluid displaced from the elastic container 41 is passed through hose 35 to the elastic container 46 located in the joint 32. Elastic container 46 thereby increases its volume and presses the locking means 38 and 40 against one another via a plate 47 which can move in the axial direction. As a result, joint 32 is locked at the same time as joint 31 or released when hand lever 51 is released.

Joint 32 is shown in the freely rotatable state for a better understanding of the released state of both joints 31 and 32. The locking means 33 and 40 provided with star teeth are by a spring 48 pushed so far apart that the teeth are not in engagement. At the same time, the elastic container 46, which is surrounded by rigid walls 49, is compressed and hydraulic fluid has flowed back into the elastic container 41 via a hose 35.

In the released state of joint 31, the star toothing of locking means 37 and 39 is also pressed apart by a spring 5o.

3 shows the actuating element of a device according to the invention, which, in the manner of a cable brake, locks a disk 52 which can be rotated about axis 54 with respect to a housing 53 in any angular position. For this purpose, a rope 55 is wrapped around a substantial part of the circumference of disk 52, which is fastened at one end at 56 to housing 53. The other end of rope 55 is connected at 57 to a lever 58 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing 59 relative to housing 53.

A spring 60 presses against lever 58, thereby tensioning cable 55 and thus locking disc 52 relative to housing 53.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the locking is released by an elastic container 61, which is surrounded by solid walls 62, but one side is open and is covered by lever 58. The elastic container 61 is hydraulically connected to a pressure chamber, not shown, via a line 63 of constant volume. In Fig. 3, the elastic container 61 is compressed by spring 6o. If a force is now applied to the hydraulic fluid in the pressure chamber (not shown), the volume of the elastic container 61, which can only expand in the direction of the lever 58, is increased via line 63. Lever 58 is thereby pressed down against spring 6o, while the other end 57 moves upward and the tension in the cable 55 is released. Disk 52 can now be rotated about axis 54.

The braking effect can be significantly increased if there is a positive connection between disc 52 and rope 55. FIG. 3a shows an enlarged detail of such a variant of FIG. 3, in which disk 52 has teeth 64 on its circumference. Since it is provided in the example indicated in Fig. 3a that the main torque to be braked acts counterclockwise, the tooth flanks acting in this direction are provided with a larger pitch, so that in cooperation with band 65 there is a self-locking positive fit. For this purpose, band 65 is provided with teeth 66, one tooth flank of which has a larger pitch. The formation of teeth 66 can be limited to a certain area of band 65. In the other area, the band 65 is smooth.

Depending on the tooth pitch, disk 52 can be locked in a number of angular positions. Due to the size of the teeth, however, a limit ^g e-sets. The number of possible angular positions can, however, be increased significantly with unchanged tooth size if a different tooth pitch is provided on the circumference of disk 52 than for band 65. This is indicated in FIG. 3a.

Due to the different tooth pitch, all teeth no longer mesh, but only every nth tooth. If disk 52 has been rotated further by the nth part of the tooth pitch, the next tooth engages, etc. The number of lockable angular positions accordingly increases by a factor of n.

4 shows the pressure part of a device according to the invention, which is particularly advantageous when the elastic containers are to be actuated one after the other by two or more pressure chambers.

The pressure member 104 shown in section in FIG. 4 is provided with two pressure chambers 96 and 97 and with a rotatable disk 106 which acts on two separate pressure pieces 107 and 1 ₀ 1. The pressure pieces 1 ₀ 1 and 1 ₀ 7 lie against two elastic containers 102 and 1 ₀ 8, respectively. The two pressure chambers 96 and 97 are arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction and at an angle of approximately 18 ₀ ⁰ together.

To actuate the pressure pieces 1 ₀ 1 and 107, the rotatable disk 106 is provided with two circular sections of approximately the same size with greater (1 ₀ 9) and smaller (110) thickness, which merge into one another with an inclined surface 99. The pressure pieces 1 ₀ 1 and 107 are provided with corresponding slopes 1 ₀₀ and 98, respectively, so that disk 106 can slide over them without difficulty.

If disk 106 is rotated by lever 1 ₀ 5, the one pressure piece 107 lying at the front in the direction of rotation is first pressed into an elastic one in front of container 1 ₀ 8. FIG. 4b shows the non-pressurized state γ of the rotation of disk 106 and FIG. 4c the state where the elastic container is compressed.

If disk 106 is rotated further, bevel 99 also pushes over inclined surface 1 ₀₀ of pressure piece 1 ₀ 1 and presses it into an elastic container 102. Both pressure chambers 96 and 97 are thus under pressure at the same time.

It is obvious that by appropriate arrangement more than two pressure chambers can be arranged in pressure member 1 ₀ 4 and can be held together under pressure.

5 shows a device according to the invention with two separate actuating elements applied to a vice 120. Both actuators are shown in the depressurized state.

The vice jaw 122 can be freely moved on a dovetail guide. It is connected and is fixed by an actuating element 110 with a locking pin 113 which engages in holes 114 in a perforated strip 111 connected to jaw 122. The locking pin 113 is held in this position by a non-hydraulic force.

5, this force is applied, for example, by a spring 116, which acts on a disk 112. The elastic container 115 of the actuating element 11o is compressed in this position. Instead of a spring, a permanent magnet or other suitable non-hydraulic means can also be provided.

In order to be able to move jaw 122 into a position in which it lies almost against the workpiece (not shown), pin 113 must be withdrawn. For this purpose, a hand lever 117 is turned clockwise and immediately timely a disk 128 firmly connected to it, which is arranged in a pressure member 129. As shown in Fig. 5a, disc 128 is provided with a sector 123 of greater thickness and a sector of reduced thickness 124, which merge into one another via two inclined surfaces 125 and 126. The two inclined surfaces 125 and 126 can have different inclinations.

If disk 128 is now rotated clockwise, inclined surface 125 slides over an inclined surface 132 of pressure piece 130, which is thereby pressed into an elastic container (not shown) of the associated pressure chamber.

The displaced hydraulic fluid is pressed into the elastic container 115 by the actuating element 110 via a flexible hose of constant volume, not shown. Due to the expansion of container 115, spring 116 is compressed to such an extent that locking pin 113 is pulled completely out of hole 114.

In the in Fig. Examples 5 and 5a shown by pressure member 129 and actuating member 11o, it becomes clear that it is advantageous if the distance traveled by locking pin 115 in the actuation path is substantially greater than the depth of impression of pressure piece 13 ₀ corresponding to the difference in thickness of the sectors 123 and 124 of disc 128 corresponds. Since the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced from the pressure chamber is the same as the increase in volume of the elastic container 115, the larger path of the locking pin 113 can be achieved by the surface of the elastic container 115 being perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking means pin 113 is smaller than the area of the elastic container, not shown, in the pressure chamber perpendicular to the direction of movement of pressure piece 13o. If hand lever 117 is returned to the starting position, the elastic container 115 is depressurized and spring 116 presses pin 113 into one of the holes 114.

If the hand lever 117 is turned in the other direction, the inclined surface 126 of the disk 128 is pushed over an inclined surface 127 of a second pressure piece 131, which is arranged in a second pressure chamber. Pressure piece 131 is pressed into an elastic container, not shown. The hydraulic fluid thus displaced is pressed into the elastic container 136 of an actuating element 135 via a connecting hose of constant volume, not shown. Due to the expansion of container 136, the movably arranged vice jaw 121 is pressed against the workpiece, not shown. Thrust piece 131 and the opposite underside of thrust washer 128 are provided with a slight slope in the example shown. As a result, the contact pressure of jaw 121 can be adjusted continuously, depending on how far disk 128 is pushed over pressure piece 131.

If lever 127 is turned back to its zero position, a spring 137 presses jaw 121 back into its starting position, so that the workpiece can be easily removed.

Claims (13)

1. Device with several mutually movable parts, the position of which can be locked to one another in several positions, the locking means being actuated hydraulically, characterized in that - That at least one actuating element (3; 11 ₀ , 135) is provided, each with an elastically deformable container (16; 46; 61; 115, 136) filled with hydraulic fluid, - That the elastic container is surrounded by rigid walls (15.25; 47.49; 58.62), of which at least one (25; 47; 58; 112.121) is at least partially movable, - that each elastic container (16; 46; 61; 115.136) is hydraulically connected to a pressure chamber (2; 96.97; 129) (24; 35; 63), - That the connecting line (24; 35; 63) has a volume independent of the pressure, - That a force on the hydraulic fluid can be introduced mechanically at each pressure chamber (26.27; 43.51; 1 ₀ 5.1 ₀ 6; 117.128) and - That the hydraulic fluid in the elastically deformable container (16; 46; 61; 115.136) of the actuating element (3; 11o, 135) by moving the movable, rigid wall (25; 47; 58; 112,121) the locking means (29,3o ; 38.40; 52.55; 113.121). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in - That the pressure chamber (2; 96.97; 129) consists of a container with rigid walls (11,17,26; 43,45; 96,97,1 ₀ 1,1 ₀ 7) in which an elastically deformable Container (23; 41; 1 ₀ 2.1 ₀ 8) is arranged that at least part of at least one of the rigid walls of the container (26; 43; 1 ₀ 1.1 ₀ 7; 117.128) is movable for the mechanical introduction of a force, - That this movement compresses the elastic container (23; 41; 1 ₀ 2.1 ₀ 8) and presses out part of the hydraulic fluid contained therein, - That the volume of the elastic container (16; 46; 61; 115.136) in the actuating element (3; 11 ₀ , 135) is increased by the displaced hydraulic fluid and - That thereby the movable rigid wall (25; 47; 58; 112,121) of the actuating element (3; 110,135) is moved. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the introduction of a mechanical force with only one pressure combs simultaneously actuates several actuating elements. 4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in - That the elastically deformable container (41,46) of the pressure chamber and actuating element with their closed ends protrude into the area of the locking means (37,38,39,4o), one of which (37,38) with one to an adjacent locking means (39.4o) open chamber (43.45.47.49) is provided with a movable wall (45.47), - That the ends of the elastic container (41,46) of the shape of the chamber (43,45,47,49) are adapted and - That the force for the hydraulic pressure of a on the rigid, immovable parts (36) of the device (33,34,36) attached, manually operated and self-locking lever (51) via a pressure piece (43) on the elastic container (41) the pressure chamber is transmitted. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opposite surfaces of the locking means (37,38,39,4 ₀ ; 64,66; 113,114) are at least partially designed so that there is self-locking positive locking in the locked state, and that the distance of the locking means (37,38,39,4 ₀ ; 64,66; 113,114) from one another is changed by the hydraulic fluid in one direction and by non-hydraulic means (48,50; 60; 116,137) in the other direction. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the positive connection is achieved by a toothing (64,66) with different flank inclination, the steep flanks; of the teeth act in the direction of the main force to be locked: 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the opposite surfaces of the locking means (64,66) per distance or angle unit have different numbers of teeth. 8. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that - That the locking means are designed as a pin (113) or recess (114), - That the pin (113) is held in engagement by the non-hydraulic means (116) in one of the recesses (114) and - That the pin (113) is withdrawn from the recess (114) by the hydraulic force of the elastic container (115) of the actuating element (11 ₀ ). 9. Device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the movement of the movable rigid wall (112) of the actuating element (11 ₀ ) relative to the movement of the movable rigid wall (130) of the pressure chamber (129) inversely proportional to the cross-sectional areas of the corresponding movable walls. 1 ₀ . Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that - That the mechanically induced force on the hydraulic fluid is generated by a rotary lever (1o5; 117) which is fixedly connected to a rotatable disc (1 ₀ 6; 128), - That the disc (1 ₀ 6; 128) has at least two sectors (1o9,11o; 123,124) of different thickness, which merge into one another via at least one inclined surface (99; 125,126), - That at least one pressure piece (1 ₀ 1, 107; 130, 131) with inclined surfaces (98, ₀₀ ; 127, 132) with an inclination similar to the inclined surfaces (99; 125, 126) of the disc (1 ₀ 6; 128) is provided, - That the sides provided with the inclined surfaces of the disc and pressure piece are opposite and - That the side of the pressure piece (1 ₀ 1.1 ₀ 7) not provided with an inclined surface acts on the elastic container (1 ₀ 2.1 ₀ 8) of the pressure chamber filled with hydraulic fluid. 11. The device according to claim 1 ₀ , characterized in that the rotatable disc (106) via at least two separate pressure pieces - (101, 107) one after the other acts on at least two separate actuating elements hydraulically connected elastic container (102, 108) at least two pressure chambers (96, 97) . 12. The apparatus according to claim 1 ₀ , characterized in - That the rotatable disc (128) has two inclined surfaces (125,126), - that one (125) during rotation of the disc (128) in a thrust piece (13 ₀₎ acting in one direction on the inclined surface (132) and compresses a located in a pressure chamber flexible container via the pressure piece (13 ₀₎ and - That the other inclined surface (126) acts upon the opposite rotation of the disk (125) on the inclined surface (127) of a second pressure piece (131) and compresses a second elastic container located in a second pressure chamber via the second pressure piece (131). - 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, 5 or 7, characterized in - that the locking means as a disc (52) and band are made of ^g ebil- det (55) - That the band (55) is wrapped around a substantial part of the circumference of the disc (52), - That the band (55) is tensioned by non-hydraulic means (6 ₀ ) and - That the band tension can be released by the elastic container (61) of an actuating element.

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