US 12,331,857 B2
Apparatus with interlocking surfaces to secure angle of hydraulic coupling connections
Jacob Andrew Scheirer, Tomball, TX (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Aug. 15, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/819,644.
Prior Publication US 2024/0052958 A1, Feb. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. F16L 23/032 (2006.01); E02F 9/22 (2006.01); F16L 47/14 (2006.01); F16L 23/00 (2006.01)
CPC F16L 23/032 (2013.01) [E02F 9/2275 (2013.01); F16L 47/14 (2013.01); F16L 23/003 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An earthmoving machine, comprising:
a frame;
one or more implements mounted on the frame;
an engine configured to power the machine;
ground engaging members configured to propel the machine; and
an implement control system configured to control the one or more implements, wherein the implement control system includes:
a pump configured to supply fluid, at pressure, to the one or more implements;
a valve configured to supply fluid, at pressure, from the pump, selectively to the one or more implements;
a first hose connected between the pump and the valve, wherein a connection defined between the first hose and the valve includes:
a coupling disposed at an end of the first hose and defining a flange having:
a lower surface configured to engage a body of the valve;
an upper surface; and
an outer diameter surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface, the outer diameter surface defining a first one or more straight sides; and
a split flange engaged with the coupling, the split flange having:
a first lower surface configured to engage the body of the valve;
a second lower surface configured to engage the upper surface of the flange; and
an inner diameter surface connecting the first lower surface and the second lower surface, the inner diameter surface defining a second one or more straight sides, wherein engagement between the first one or more straight sides and the second one or more straight sides is configured to secure the connection at a first angle; and
a plurality of fasteners disposed through corresponding openings in the split flange, wherein the plurality of fasteners are configured to secure the split flange and the coupling to the body of the valve; and
a second hose connected between the valve and a first implement of the one or more implements.
 
9. A hydraulic coupling connection defined between a hose and a valve of a machine, the hydraulic coupling connection comprising:
a coupling disposed at an end of the hose and defining a flange having:
a lower surface configured to engage a body of the valve;
an upper surface; and
an outer diameter surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface, the outer diameter surface defining a first plurality of straight sides; and
a split flange engaged with the coupling, the split flange having:
a first lower surface configured to engage the body of the valve;
a second lower surface configured to engage the upper surface of the flange; and
an inner diameter surface connecting the first lower surface and the second lower surface, the inner diameter surface defining a second plurality of straight sides, wherein engagement between the first plurality of straight sides and the second plurality of straight sides is configured to secure the connection at a first angle.
 
17. An apparatus for a hydraulic coupling connection defined between a hose and a valve of a machine, the hydraulic coupling connection including a split flange configured to be engaged with a coupling disposed at an end of the hose, the apparatus comprising:
an outer diameter surface, of the coupling, defining a first plurality of straight sides; and
an inner diameter surface, of the split flange, defining a second plurality of straight sides corresponding to the first plurality of straight sides, wherein engagement between the first plurality of straight sides and the second plurality of straight sides is configured to secure the connection at a plurality of incremental angles.