construction equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a construction equipment (2) comprising at least one electric actuator (10.1, 10.2, 10.3; 10) comprising: a rod (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (X12); a sliding member (14) movable along the rod (12); an electric motor (16) for converting electric power into a movement of the sliding member (14) along the longitudinal axis (X12); a connecting rod (18) comprising a first end (18A) hinged on the sliding member (14) and a second end (18B) hinged on a first element of the construction equipment so as to move the first element relative to a second element (80; 82; 85) or conversely; and guiding means for guiding the movement of said sliding member (14) along the longitudinal axis (X12). At least said electric motor (16), rod (12) and sliding member (14) are integrated into said second element (80; 82; 85) of the construction equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a construction device, specifically a fully electric construction device.

[0002] This invention is applicable to construction machinery in the field of industrial construction machinery or construction equipment, particularly excavators and articulated transport vehicles. Although the invention will be described primarily with respect to excavators, it is not limited to this specific machine, but can also be used in other construction machinery, such as articulated transport vehicles, dump trucks, backhoe loaders, loaders, and skid steer loaders, as long as they are equipped with linear cylinders to drive the movement of the equipment. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, there has been a clear trend toward vehicle electrification, thus eliminating the use of fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles also have the advantage of being quieter than their thermal counterparts.

[0004] This trend is now spreading to construction machinery, which to date already includes internal combustion engines that drive hydraulic pumps. Internal combustion engines will gradually be replaced by electric motors. Solutions also exist to replace hydraulic systems and the various cylinders that make up those systems. Currently, the main solution involves replacing hydraulic cylinders with electric cylinders. However, in practice, this presents many problems, including increased size, exposure to impacts, and, most importantly, potential irreversible deformation or wear, or even damage, caused by induced forces.

[0005] It is well known that during certain operations (such as digging or dumping phases), relatively large forces are applied along the axis of a linear actuator. Traditionally, i.e., in the case of a hydraulic cylinder, a pressure limiter in the form of a safety valve is used, which allows a portion of the oil contained within the cylinder to be released, thereby limiting the mechanical stress induced in the cylinder body and rod. However, to the applicant's knowledge, no one has yet successfully addressed this problem with an electric cylinder that performs similarly to that of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0006] US 2018 287458 A discloses an original design for an electric cylinder in which an electric motor is housed within the cylinder rod. This motor drives a threaded hub that engages within the cylinder body. While this electric actuator design is novel, it cannot be confirmed that it solves the problem of deformation or damage associated with induced forces, and the aforementioned vulnerable electric cylinder remains exposed to potential external impacts.

[0007] On the other hand, CN110984263 proposes an electric excavator in which hydraulic cylinders are replaced by electric actuators, which include an electric motor that drives an actuating rod via a worm gear. The actuating rod includes a first end attached to a turbine and a second end attached to a moving part of the excavator (e.g., a section of an articulated arm).

[0008] In another registered patent, CN110528606A discloses an excavator in which a column is mounted on a lifting platform. The lifting platform moves vertically by means of a scissor mechanism driven by an electric actuator. The actuator includes an electric motor that drives a threaded rod to rotate through a threaded hole defined by a carriage. Rotation of the threaded rod about its axis results in translational movement along the axis of the threaded rod. A bar of the scissor mechanism is hinged to the carriage, so that movement of the carriage causes the platform to move vertically.

[0009] Finally, CN 208395875 U discloses a geotechnical engineering system for excavating the site of a foundation support. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a simple, effective, robust, and economical solution for replacing hydraulic cylinders in construction equipment with electric actuators. Specifically, by integrating the actuators within the equipment, significant possibilities are made for assembling the actuator components and using suitable dimensions. This solution will make it possible to introduce fully electric construction equipment to the market.

[0011] This objective is achieved by a construction device according to the invention, the construction device comprising at least one electric actuator, the electric actuator comprising:

[0012] - A member that extends along a longitudinal axis;

[0013] - A sliding member that is movable along the rod;

[0014] - An electric motor, which converts electrical power into movement of the sliding member along the longitudinal axis;

[0015] - A connecting rod comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being hinged to the sliding member and the second end being hinged to a first element of the construction equipment, such that the first element may move relative to the second element, or vice versa, the second element may move relative to the first element; and

[0016] - A guiding device for guiding the movement of the sliding member along the longitudinal axis.

[0017] According to the present invention, at least the motor, the rod and the sliding member are integrated into the second element of the construction equipment.

[0018] Advantageously, the guiding device is fixed relative to or integrated with the second element.

[0019] The electric actuator equipped with the construction equipment according to the invention comprises simple, readily available components whose performance, durability, and efficiency have been proven in the past. Furthermore, the guiding device and the integration of the actuator's sensitive element into the construction equipment enable very promising results in terms of robustness, durability, and efficiency.

[0020] Furthermore, due to the use of an electric motor, energy recovery can be applied during drive motion (typically when the excavator boom moves downward under gravity) by means of the electric motor, which acts as a generator.

[0021] Advantageously, the construction equipment of the present invention includes the following (optional) features:

[0022] - The sliding member and the rod form a helical connection.

[0023] - The spiral connection is achieved using a ball screw or roller screw mechanism.

[0024] - The sliding member and the rod form a sliding connection.

[0025] The electric motor is a linear motor, which includes a sliding member as a rotor and the rod as a stator.

[0026] - The second element defines an opening, typically a slot, for the connecting rod to pass through.

[0027] - The second element is part of the metal structure of the construction equipment.

[0028] The construction equipment also includes a static brake to hold the sliding member in place when power is removed from the motor.

[0029] - Both the first and second ends of the connecting rod are hinged about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0030] - The second element of the construction equipment ensures the guidance of the sliding member. This means that the second element of the equipment is used as a guiding device.

[0031] - The guiding device includes at least one guide rail extending through a hole in the sliding member. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a more detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, cited by way of example, follows.

[0033] In these diagrams:

[0034] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a construction device (e.g., an excavator) according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a side view of an excavator arm, which includes the boom, stick, and bucket.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a partial detailed view of the excavating boom according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial detailed view of an excavating boom according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged image;

[0039] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Is with Figure 3 and Figure 4 A view similar to the one shown illustrates a third embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 8 Another possible application of the invention is shown, according to which the same actuator mechanism can be used to actuate excavator accessories or attachments, particularly thumb clips.

[0041] Figure 9 This illustrates another possible application of the invention in dump trucks.

[0042] Figure 10 A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 Construction equipment 2 (also referred to as "construction machinery" or "engineering machinery") is shown, which in this example is an excavator. Obviously, and as mentioned above, the invention is not limited to this specific example, as it can be applied to any other construction machinery.

[0046] Construction machinery 2 includes an upper frame (also called a “platform”) 4 that can pivot about a vertical axis. The upper frame 4 includes a cab. The cab is rotatably mounted on a lower frame equipped with a pair of annular tracks 6 (e.g., Caterpillar tracks 6).

[0047] The excavator 2 also includes an excavator arm 8, which includes a boom 80 rotatable relative to the upper frame 4 and a stick 82 (also referred to as a "stick" or "arm") rotatable relative to the boom 80. Furthermore, a tool 83 (e.g., a bucket) is removably attached to the end of the stick 82.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Reference numeral 84 indicates the hinge (or joint) between the boom 80 and the upper frame 4; reference numeral 86 indicates the hinge (or joint) between the boom 80 and the stick 82; and reference numeral 88 indicates the hinge between the tool 83 and the stick 82 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 ).

[0049] As a general rule, and in accordance with applicable standards, the dashed lines in the figures represent axes of rotational motion. No reference numerals have been added to these axes to avoid making the figures overly complex.

[0050] In a known manner, hinges 84, 86, and 88 allow the boom 80, stick 84, or tool 83 to rotate about an axis of rotation parallel to the ground. Therefore, when the construction equipment is placed on a flat surface, the axis of rotation is horizontal. However, in variations, some construction equipment includes hinges connected to actuators whose axis of rotation is not parallel to the ground.

[0051] In this example, boom 80 is angular, which means it comprises two straight segments that define an angle of approximately 120° between them.

[0052] The special feature of construction machinery 2 is that it is entirely electric. In other words, construction machinery 2 has neither a thermal engine nor a hydraulic system. The annular track 6 is driven by at least two electric motors (not shown), one for each track 6, and the movement of the excavator arm 8 and the tool 83 is achieved by electric actuators, which are respectively... Figure 2 The characteristics of the three electric actuators 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 are described in detail below.

[0053] Each actuator includes a rod 12 extending along the longitudinal axis X12 and a sliding element 14 (also referred to as a "carriage") capable of moving along the rod 12.

[0054] Each actuator also includes an electric motor 16 for converting electrical energy into movement of the sliding element 14 along the longitudinal axis X12. For example, the electrical energy can be supplied by a rechargeable onboard battery pack (not shown), such as a lithium-ion battery pack.

[0055] The electric motor 16 is preferably a DC motor, such as a brushless DC motor (BLDC). However, in a variant, it may also be an AC motor.

[0056] Each actuator also includes a connecting rod 18, which has a first end 18A and a second end 18B. The first end 18A is hinged to the sliding element 14 about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X12, and the second end 18B is hinged to the first element of the construction machinery 2.

[0057] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the excavator 2 includes a first actuator 10.1 for moving the boom 80, such that the second end 18B of its connecting rod is attached to hinge A of the platform / upper frame 4. The excavator 2 also includes: a second actuator 10.2 for moving the stick 82, such that the second end 18B of its connecting rod is attached to hinge B of the stick 82; and a third actuator 10.3 for moving the tool 83, such that the second end 18B of its connecting rod is attached to hinge C of the tool 83.

[0058] Therefore, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the first element may be the upper frame 4, the stick 82, or the tool 83.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In the example, hinges B and C, which are attached to the second end 18B of the connecting rod 18, are part of the actuated element, while hinge A belongs to another element, namely the upper frame 4.

[0060] Advantageously, at least the motor 16, the rod 12, and the sliding member 14 are integrated together and then protectively housed within a second element (e.g., boom 80 or stick 82) of the construction equipment. Therefore, the axis X12 of the rod is fixed / immovable relative to the second element. More precisely, the only degree of freedom of the rod 12 relative to the second element is rotation about its own axis X12.

[0061] Preferably, the second element is part of the metal structure of the construction equipment 2. As its name suggests, this metal structure or frame is a component of the metal parts that form the frame of the construction equipment 2.

[0062] For example, the upper frame 4 and the excavator arm 8 are part of the metal structure of the construction equipment 2. Basically, this metal structure can be formed from metal sheets joined together.

[0063] Furthermore, to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding, it is obvious that the first and second components of the construction equipment mentioned above are two different components, meaning they are not the same component.

[0064] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, elements 12, 14, and 16 of actuators 10.1 and 10.2 are integrated into the boom 80 as a second element, and elements 12, 14, and 16 of actuator 10.3 are integrated into the stick 82 as a second element.

[0065] The phrase "integrated into" means that the elements 12, 14, and 16 of each actuator are housed or enclosed within a protective shield, which is actually part of the mechanical frame.

[0066] Advantageously, the second element 80 or 82 defines an opening 26 in the form of a slot, which extends in a direction parallel to the direction of the rod 12 to allow the connecting rod 18 to pass through. Figure 3 The opening 26 can be seen in particular.

[0067] In the example of the excavator, the boom 80 and stick 82 are conventionally made of steel plate, possibly associated with cast parts, which define an unused hollow volume. Therefore, the concept here is to use this unused hollow volume to at least accommodate the electric motor 16, carriage 14, and rod 12, in order to protect these components from impact. Thus, it can be understood that, structurally, the frame of the excavator 2 according to the invention, which can be described as “100% electric,” is similar to that of a conventional hydraulic excavator, except that it has openings (e.g., opening 26) formed to allow the connecting rod 18 to pass through.

[0068] Each actuator also includes a guide device to guide the movement of the sliding element 14 along the longitudinal axis X12. These guide devices can take various forms, including Figure 3 The form shown is such that guidance is actually provided by the second element 80 or 82 referred to above. Specifically, the sliding element 14 has a cross-section that is approximately the same as that of the second element 80 or 82, thus achieving basic guidance.

[0069] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the sliding element 14 and the rod 12 form a helical connection. This helical connection or spiral linkage is achieved through contact between two helical surfaces.

[0070] For example, this helical connection is achieved using a ball screw or roller screw mechanism (not shown). The principle of this mechanism is to use rolling elements (such as balls or rollers) to limit friction between the rod 12 and the sliding element 14. Since this type of helical connection is well known in the prior art, it will not be described in detail here. There is a wealth of information on this topic available on the internet.

[0071] refer to Figure 3 When the motor 16 is switched on (i.e., powered), it drives the lever 12 to rotate about axis X12, as indicated by arrow R1. Due to the helical connection, the rotation of the lever 12 causes the carriage 14 to translate forward or backward along the lever 12 (see arrow D1), depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 16. As a result, the connecting rod 18 pivots about hinge A and forces the boom 80 to rotate about the hinge 84 between the boom 80 and the upper frame 4 (see arrow R2). Thus, the electric actuator 10.1 forms a simple device to move the boom 80 up or down according to the direction of rotation of the motor 16.

[0072] Typically, the axis of the hinge between the sliding element 14 and the connecting rod 18 is parallel to the axis of the hinge between the connecting rod 18 and the first element of the construction equipment (e.g., the upper frame 4, the boom 84, or the tool 83) mentioned above. Furthermore, it can be noted that the axes of the hinges located at the ends 18A and 18B of the connecting rod 18 are parallel to the axes of the hinges 84, 86, and 88 of the excavator 2.

[0073] According to a variant not shown, the sliding element / carrier 14 is fixed / fastened to the external body (also referred to as a "nut" or "nut element") of the ball screw or roller screw mechanism described above, in order to limit the force transmitted to the ball / roller screw mechanism. This means that the sliding element itself is not part of the ball / roller screw mechanism. Typically, the sliding element 14 can be fastened to the nut element of the ball / roller screw mechanism using conventional fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, or bolts).

[0074] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second embodiment of the invention is shown. For the sake of brevity, only the differences from the first embodiment will be mentioned below.

[0075] In this second embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is that the motor 16 constitutes the carriage / sliding element, i.e., the motor 16 slides along the rod 12. Specifically, the motor 16 includes a hollow rotor that engages with the rod 12 via a frictionless transmission system (e.g., a ball screw or roller screw system). Therefore, the rotor of the motor 16 functions as a "nut," the quotation marks indicating that it is not a nut in the conventional sense. In this embodiment, contrary to the first embodiment, the rotation of the rod 12 about its longitudinal axis X12 is fixed.

[0076] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, translational guidance is provided by at least one guide rail (preferably two guide rails 24), which extends parallel to the rod 12, and each is engaged in a hole in the motor, which serves as a sliding element. Specifically, each of these guide rails is engaged through a corresponding hole extending through two supports that support the motor 16.

[0077] In this example, each guide rail is a cylinder with a circular cross-section, but it is obvious that, alternatively, the cross-section of the cylinder can be different, for example, rectangular.

[0078] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the motor 16 is switched on (i.e., powered), its rotor 16.1 is driven to rotate about axis X12. Due to the helical connection and because the rotation of the rod 12 is fixed in this embodiment, the rotation of the rotor 16.1 and the translation along the rod 12 are achieved simultaneously. The rotor 16.1 drives the stator 16.2 to translate along the rod. In other words, as the rotor 16.1 rotates about axis X12, the motor 16 moves back and forth along the rod 12 (see arrow D1), depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 16. As a result, the connecting rod 18 pivots about hinge A and forces the boom 80 to rotate about the hinge 84 between the boom 80 and the upper frame 4 (see arrow R2). Thus, the electric actuator 10.1 forms a simple device to move the boom 80 up or down according to the direction of rotation of the motor 16.

[0079] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A third embodiment of the invention is shown. For the sake of brevity, only the differences from the first two embodiments will be mentioned below.

[0080] In this third embodiment, the sliding element 14 and the rod 12 are connected to each other in a sliding connection. In this example, the motor 16 is a linear motor having a rotor 14 forming the sliding element and a stator 12 forming the rod.

[0081] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the rod 12 takes the form of a guide rail, the cross-section of which is comparable to, but asymmetrical to, the cross-section of the I-beam. The carriage 14 has a complementary cross-section, allowing the carriage 14 to be naturally guided to translate along the rod 12. Thus, the guide rail 12 extends within the groove of the sliding element 14, the groove having a complementary shape.

[0082] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the motor 16 is switched on (i.e., powered), the carriage (e.g., the rotor) is translated along the rod 12, which functions as the stator. In other words, the carriage moves back and forth along the rod 12 according to a control signal transmitted to the motor 16 (see arrow D1). As a result, the connecting rod 18 pivots about hinge A and forces the boom 80 to rotate about the hinge 84 between the boom 80 and the upper frame 4 (see arrow R2). Thus, the electric actuator 10.1 forms a simple device for moving the boom 80 up or down.

[0083] Figure 8 A variation of the invention is shown in which the actuator 10 is used to move an accessory (or attachment) on the construction machinery, in this case a thumb clip 87. Typically, the thumb clip makes it easier to pick up, hold, and move difficult-to-handle materials, such as rocks, concrete, branches, and debris, that are not suitable for loading into the bucket 83.

[0084] In this embodiment, unlike the previous embodiments, the protective housing is a box 85 fastened to the mechanism 2, meaning that the protective housing 85 is something that can be assembled afterwards. In this example, the protective housing 85 is attached below the boom 82. Therefore, the motor 16, the boom 12, and the sliding element 14 are housed within this removable box 85, which also fulfills the guiding function of the carriage 14.

[0085] Typically, the protective housing 85 can be easily removed from the machine 2. For example, the housing can be bolted to the bottom of the boom 80 or stick 82. The advantage of this construction is that it facilitates maintenance of the electric motor 16. It also allows for the retention of the exact same architecture as the hydraulic construction machinery.

[0086] Therefore, the term "protective shell" must be interpreted in the broadest possible way. For example, a protective shell is not necessarily limited to an enclosed volume. It can be a rectangular box with three sides.

[0087] Figure 9 Another variation of the invention is shown, applied to a transport vehicle (or articulated transport vehicle). For clarity of the drawings, only the rear of the transport vehicle is shown here. In this variation, the electric actuator 10 is used to operate the truck bed 3 of the transport vehicle, that is, to tilt the truck bed up and down.

[0088] In this example, when the motor 16 is switched on (i.e., powered), it drives the rod 12 to rotate about axis X12. Due to the helical connection, the rotation of the rod 12 causes the carriage 14 to translate forward or backward along the rod 12, depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 16. As a result, the connecting rod 18 forces the truck bed 3 to rotate about the hinge between the truck bed and the chassis (see arrow R2). Thus, the electric actuator 10 forms a simple device to tilt the truck bed 3 up and down according to the direction of rotation of the motor 16.

[0089] Figure 10 Another variation of the invention is shown, in which the guiding device includes two guide rails 24 extending parallel to each other in a direction parallel to the axis X12. In an example formed by an excavator boom, the two guide rails 24 are fixed relative to a second element. More specifically, the two guide rails may be integral with the second element (i.e., with the boom metal structure). In this example, the guide rails 24 provide longitudinal guidance for a carriage / sliding element 14 moving along the rod 12. In a variation not shown, the guide rails may provide guidance for two or more carriages.

[0090] Furthermore, in variations not shown, the guiding device may include more than two guide rails, such as three or four different guide rails.

[0091] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the motor and the sliding element (carriage) are the same element. Specifically, the output shaft 16A of the motor meshes with a gear 17A (according to worm gear engagement), which itself meshes with a rack 12 (according to rack and pinion engagement), which can also be considered a rod similar to the rods in other embodiments of the invention described above. Therefore, rotation of the motor output shaft is transmitted to the gear, causing the motor / carriage to translate back and forth along the rack according to the direction of rotation of the motor output shaft (e.g., ...). Figure 11 (As shown by the double-headed arrow D1). The sliding element (including the motor 16 and the support element 14) is hinged to the first end of the connecting rod 18. The other end of the connecting rod 18 is hinged to the first element of the construction equipment, which in this specific example is the upper frame 4.

[0092] The guiding of the sliding elements 14+16 can be ensured by the rack 12 or by a dedicated guiding device (not shown).

[0093] In a variant not shown, the system may include more than one rack, such as two racks, each engaging with one or more gears of the carriage.

[0094] Figure 12An alternative embodiment is shown in which the output shaft 16A of the motor 16 meshes with at least two successive gears 17A (e.g., three successive gears 17A), all of which engage with the same rack 17B due to rack and pinion engagement. The gears 17A are mounted / set on a support 14 that serves as a sliding element. Rotation of the motor output shaft causes rotation of these gears and thus movement along the rack 17B. The support 14 is hinged to one end of a connecting rod 18, which functions identically to the other embodiments described above.

[0095] at last, Figure 13 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the motor 16 is a linear actuator configured to move the lever 12 back and forth. A sliding element or carriage 14 is fixed to the lever 12, particularly at the end opposite to the motor 16. In other embodiments, the connecting rod 18 is hinged to the carriage 14. Again, the axis X12 of the lever is fixed / stationary relative to a second element, which in this example is the boom 80.

[0096] In a variant, not shown, applicable to any of the embodiments described herein, the assembly of the motor 16 and the lever 12 can move / rotate within a second element (e.g., boom 80) of the construction equipment. These movements are achieved by introducing some functional clearances / pivot points and allowing for the absorption of some deformation.

[0097] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes, modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0098] For example, at least one of the actuators described above may include an additional electric motor. Typically, two electric motors may each be located at one end of the lever 12. Alternatively, the two electric motors may be arranged side by side (i.e., in parallel). The two electric motors may be the same or different.

[0099] Clearly, in the same spirit, the actuator may include two or more links 12, regardless of the number of motors 16. For example, by using a suitable transmission mechanism, two links 12 can be driven using only one motor.

[0100] Similarly, the actuator may include two or more sliding elements 14, regardless of the number of levers 12.

[0101] Similarly, the actuator may include two or more connecting rods 18, regardless of the number of sliding elements 14.

[0102] Moreover, in another example, two or more actuators can be used to actuate the same element.

[0103] In another example, one can easily imagine a configuration where the lever is not directly driven by an electric motor. In this example, the electric motor could be arranged perpendicular to the axis of the lever and drive the lever via a angular gear mechanism (e.g., a worm gear). The choice of configuration depends on the available space for the electric motor. In another example, the electric motor 16 could be arranged parallel to the lever 12 (but not on the same axis; rather, side by side). Therefore, a transmission system is provided between the electric motor 16 and the lever 12. This transmission system could be a gear set (pinion chain), a belt, or a chain. It also serves as a speed reducer.

[0104] In another example, the electric motor may include a speed reducer, typically a planetary speed reducer (planetary gear set).

[0105] In another example, at least one of the electric actuators 10 assembled to the construction machinery 2 (preferably each actuator 10) includes a static brake (also referred to as a "safety brake") to hold the sliding element 14 in place when the motor 16 is turned off. More details about this type of brake can be found in existing materials on the subject.

[0106] In another example, the pivot connection between the elements of actuator 10 may include a buffer device (e.g., a bushing) to protect the mechanism from impacts or induced forces.

[0107] In another example, at least one of the electric actuators 10 assembled to the construction machinery (preferably each actuator 10) includes a position sensor or a rotation sensor to provide closed-loop or closed-loop control of the position of the moving part of the machinery 2.

[0108] In another example, construction machinery 2 may be equipped with one or more force or torque sensors.

[0109] In another example, opening 26 or each opening 26 is provided with dustproof and / or waterproof devices, such as brushes, rubber bands and / or deflectors.

[0110] In another example, the guiding device described above can be supplemented or replaced by a worm gear to make the carriage 14 roll along the surface, thereby ensuring frictionless guidance.

[0111] According to a variant not shown, the actuator referred to herein can be used to move the articulated blade of construction equipment (e.g., an excavator or loader). In a known manner, the blade is secured to the vehicle's lower frame, typically at the front, for propelling materials such as soil, sand, snow, rubble, or rock during construction or renovation work. In this particular embodiment, the lower frame of the excavator or loader can be considered as a "second element" as referred to herein.

Claims

1. A construction device (2), comprising at least one electric actuator ( 10.1，10.2，10.3； 10) The electric actuator includes: A rod (12) extends along a longitudinal axis (X12); A sliding member (14) is movable along the rod (12); An electric motor (16) for converting electrical power into movement of the sliding member (14) along the longitudinal axis (X12); and Guide devices (80; 82; 24; 12; 85) are used to guide the movement of the sliding member (14) along the longitudinal axis (X12); Its features are: The electric actuator further includes a connecting rod (18) comprising a first end (18A) and a second end (18B), the first end (18A) being hinged to the sliding member (14), and the second end (18B) being hinged to a first element (82; 87; 83; 3; 4) of the construction equipment, so as to move the first element relative to a second element (80; 82; 85) or conversely, move the second element relative to the first element; and At least the electric motor (16), the rod (12) and the sliding member (14) are integrated into the second element (80; 82; 85) of the construction equipment.

2. The construction equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The sliding member (14) and the rod (12) form a helical connection.

3. The construction equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The spiral connection is achieved using a ball screw or roller screw mechanism.

4. The construction equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The sliding member (14) and the rod (12) form a sliding connection.

5. The construction equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The electric motor (16) is a linear motor, comprising the sliding member (14) as the rotor and the rod member (12) as the stator.

6. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The second element (80; 82; 85) defines an opening (26) for the connecting rod (18) to pass through.

7. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The second element (80; 82; 85) is part of the metal structure of the construction equipment.

8. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5 further includes a static brake to hold the sliding member (14) in place when power is removed from the motor.

9. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The first end (18A) and the second end (18B) of the connecting rod (18) are both hinged about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X12).

10. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The second element (80; 82; 85) of the construction equipment ensures guidance of the sliding member (14).

11. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The guiding device includes at least one guide rail (24) extending through a hole in the sliding member (14).

12. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The guiding device includes at least one guide rail (24) extending within the groove of the sliding member.

13. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The axis (X12) of the rod is fixed relative to the second element (80; 82; 85).

14. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The guiding device is also integrated into the second element.

15. The construction equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The guiding device is fixed relative to or integrated with the second element.

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