A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering locking function

Abstract

The invention discloses a steering hydraulic cylinder with a centering locking function, which relates to the technical field of hydraulic machinery, and comprises a hydraulic cylinder barrel, a piston rod, and a centering locking device. The front end of the hydraulic cylinder barrel is provided with a piston rod, and the centering locking device comprises a cap end fixing structure, a rod end fixing structure, and a locking structure. The front end of the piston rod is provided with a cap end fixing structure, and the hydraulic cylinder barrel is provided with a rod end fixing structure. The locking structure comprises an end clamp provided on the rod end fixing structure and a locking clamp provided on the cap end fixing structure. When the locking clamp is locked with the end clamp, the extension of the piston rod is restricted. The invention can simplify the rear axle steering system and reduce the occupied space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of hydraulic machinery, in particular to a steering hydraulic cylinder with a centering and locking function. Background Art

[0002] Multi-axle vehicles are widely used in the fields of engineering vehicles and special vehicles due to their good load-bearing performance. However, as the load increases, the number of axles of the vehicle also increases accordingly, resulting in the overall length of the vehicle being too long, lacking maneuverability during use, difficulty in steering, and increased tire wear.

[0003] In order to improve the steering ability and maneuverability of vehicles, rear axle steering technology came into being. After the multi-axle vehicle uses rear axle steering technology, the steering hydraulic lever on the rear axle can be in a centered state when the vehicle is at high speed, keeping the wheels in a straight-ahead, non-steering position, avoiding the rear axle following the steering due to excessive speed, causing the vehicle to roll over and lose control, and ensuring the steering safety of the vehicle; when the vehicle is at low speed, the steering hydraulic cylinder on the rear axle is released from the centered state, helping the vehicle to reduce the turning radius, reduce tire wear, improve flexibility, and ensure the steering safety of the vehicle.

[0004] Currently, in the rear axle steering system, in order to maintain and release the centering state of the steering hydraulic cylinder, it is necessary to add a centering device such as a centering hydraulic cylinder in the rear axle space. However, this method will make the rear axle steering system more complicated and occupy a larger space. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims at the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art and provides a steering hydraulic cylinder with a centering locking function. The present invention can simplify the rear axle steering system and reduce the occupied space.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A steering hydraulic cylinder with a centering locking function comprises a hydraulic cylinder barrel, a piston rod, and a centering locking device. A piston rod is provided at the front end of the hydraulic cylinder barrel. The centering locking device comprises a cap end fixing structure, a rod end fixing structure, and a locking structure. A cap end fixing structure is provided at the front end of the piston rod, and a rod end fixing structure is provided on the hydraulic cylinder barrel. The locking structure comprises an end clamp provided on the rod end fixing structure and a locking clamp provided on the cap end fixing structure. When the locking clamp is locked with the end clamp, the extension of the piston rod is restricted.

[0008] Furthermore, the cap end fixing structure includes a cap end frame, an elastic member, and a limiting structure. The cap end frame is sleeved on the piston rod. The front end of the piston rod is provided with a limiting structure for preventing the cap end frame from being separated from the piston rod. The cap end frame is provided with an elastic member.

[0009] The rod end fixing structure includes a rod end frame, the rod end frame is sleeved on the piston rod, the rear end of the rod end frame is fixedly connected to the cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder, the front end of the rod end frame is provided with two support arms, the piston rod is located between the two support arms, and the two support arms are provided with locking grooves on the sides close to each other, and the locking grooves include a tapered section, a necking section, and a gradually expanding section that are connected in sequence;

[0010] The end fixture is a cylindrical structure sleeved on the piston rod. The end fixture is arranged between the two support arms. The end fixture is fixedly connected to the support arms. The front end surface of the end fixture is provided with a plurality of radially arranged cylindrical recesses.

[0011] The locking fixture is a cylindrical structure sleeved on the piston rod, the locking fixture is fixedly connected to the cap end frame, the outer side wall of the locking fixture is provided with a locking protrusion, and the rear end surface of the locking fixture is provided with a plurality of radially arranged cylindrical protrusions;

[0012] When the cylindrical convex part and the cylindrical concave part are half-engaged, the locking protrusion enters the necked section from the tapered section, so that the end clamp and the locking clamp are locked together, and the extension of the piston rod is restricted at this time;

[0013] When the cylindrical protrusion is deeply engaged with the cylindrical recess, the locking protrusion enters the gradually expanding section from the necking section. Under the action of the elastic member, the locking protrusion slides out of the necking section, and the locking clamp is separated from the end clamp, and the piston rod can be extended.

[0014] Furthermore, the cap end frame is provided with a cap end hole for the piston rod to pass through.

[0015] Furthermore, the elastic member is a support spring, and the support spring is sleeved on the piston rod.

[0016] Furthermore, the limiting structure adopts a limiting pin, and the front end of the piston rod is provided with a lifting ear, and the lifting ear is provided with a pin hole for cooperating with the limiting pin.

[0017] Furthermore, a rod end hole for the piston rod to pass through is provided at the rear end of the rod end frame.

[0018] Furthermore, both of the two supporting arms are provided with mounting grooves, and the outer side wall of the end clamp is provided with a mounting protrusion, and the mounting protrusion cooperates with the mounting groove.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a sensor for detecting the displacement of the piston rod, and an ECU controller for receiving sensor information and controlling the extension and retraction of the piston rod.

[0020] Furthermore, the sensor is a magnetostrictive sensor.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. The steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function provided by the present invention can realize the dual functions of steering and centering and locking without adding centering devices such as centering hydraulic cylinders. It has the characteristics of compact structure and high reliability, saves the limited rear axle space, and is suitable for rear axle steering systems of multi-axle vehicles.

[0023] 2. Surprisingly, in the steering hydraulic cylinder with centering locking function of the present invention, because the centering locking device is a mechanical structure arranged outside the cylinder barrel and piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder, it is convenient for inspection and maintenance, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of inspection and maintenance.

[0024] 3. Because the rod end fixing structure and the end clamp in the centering locking device are disassembled and assembled by utilizing the cooperation of the mounting protrusion and the mounting groove, it is convenient to disassemble and assemble the rod end fixing structure and the end clamp, which is conducive to further facilitating inspection and maintenance and further improving maintenance efficiency.

[0025] 4. Because the cap end fixing structure in the centering locking device is restricted by the limit pin, the cap end fixing structure can be removed from the piston rod by simply removing the limit pin, thereby further facilitating disassembly and maintenance, which is conducive to further improving maintenance efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Attached Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0027] Attached Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the partial matching structure of the cap end fixing structure and the piston rod;

[0028] Attached Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the rod end fixing structure;

[0029] Attached Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the end clamp;

[0030] Attached Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking fixture;

[0031] Attached Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a magnetostrictive sensor;

[0032] Attached Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the centering and locking operation of the present invention;

[0033] Attached Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the present invention for releasing the centering lock;

[0034] Attached Fig. 9 It is a working detail diagram of the present invention in a dislocated semi-engaged state;

[0035] Attached Fig.10This is a working detail diagram of the present invention in a state of complete misalignment;

[0036] Attached Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention as a whole;

[0037] Attached Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support arm.

[0038] In the figure:

[0039] 1-Hydraulic cylinder barrel,

[0040] 2-piston rod, 201-active chamber,

[0041] Centering locking device:

[0042] 301-cap end fixing structure, 3011-cap end frame, 30111-cap end hole, 3012-support spring, 3013-limit pin,

[0043] 302-rod end fixing structure, 3021-rod end frame, 30211-support arm, 30212-limiting protrusion, 30213-installation groove, 30214-rod end hole,

[0044] Locking structure:

[0045] 3031-end clamp, 30311-cylindrical recess, 30312-mounting protrusion, 30313-end shaft hole,

[0046] 3032-locking clamp, 30321-cylindrical convex part, 30322-locking protrusion, 30323-locking shaft hole,

[0047] 4-magnetostrictive sensor, 401-sensor head, 402-detection rod, 403-movable float,

[0048] 5-lifting ear, 501-pin hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] Example:

[0051] A steering hydraulic cylinder with a centering and locking function comprises a hydraulic cylinder barrel 1, a piston rod 2, a centering and locking device, and a sensor.

[0052] In this embodiment, a piston rod 2 is provided at the front end of the hydraulic cylinder barrel 1, with the extending direction of the piston rod 2 being the front and the retracting direction of the piston rod 2 being the rear.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the centering locking device includes a cap end fixing structure 301, a rod end fixing structure 302, and a locking structure.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cap end fixing structure 301 is installed at the front end of the piston rod 2. Specifically: the cap end fixing structure 301 includes a cap end frame 3011, an elastic member, and a limiting structure. Among them, the elastic member adopts a support spring 3012, and the limiting structure adopts a limiting pin 3013. A cap end hole 30111 is opened in the center of the cap end frame 3011 for the piston rod 2 to pass through. The support spring 3012 is located inside the cap end frame 3011, and the support spring 3012 is sleeved on the piston rod 2, the front end of the support spring 3012 is against the inner wall of the cap end frame 3011, and the rear end of the support spring 3012 is fixed on the piston rod 2. A lifting ear 5 is provided at the front end of the piston rod 2, and the limiting pin 3013 is inserted into the pin hole 501 on the lifting ear 5. The limiting pin 3013 is used to limit the cap end frame 3011 to prevent the cap end frame 3011 from detaching from the front end of the piston rod 2.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the rod end fixing structure 302 is installed on the hydraulic cylinder barrel 1. Specifically: the rod end fixing structure 302 includes a rod end frame 3021. The rear end of the rod end frame 3021 is fixedly installed with the hydraulic cylinder barrel 1, and the rear end of the rod end frame 3021 is provided with a rod end hole 30214, and the rod end hole 30214 is convenient for the piston rod 2 to pass through. Two support arms 30211 arranged side by side are provided at the front end of the rod end frame 3021, and the piston rod 2 is located between the two support arms 30211. The two support arms 30211 are provided with two limiting protrusions 30212 on the side close to each other, and the two limiting protrusions 30212 are provided with arc surfaces. The two limiting protrusions 30212 are symmetrically arranged, and the arc surfaces of the two limiting protrusions 30212 are arranged close to each other. The gap between the two limiting protrusions 30212 forms a locking groove M, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the locking groove M includes a gradually contracting section m1, a necking section m2, and a gradually expanding section m3 which are connected in sequence. In addition, both arms are provided with a mounting groove 30213.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the locking structure includes an end clamp 3031 and a locking clamp 3032 .

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the end clamp 3031 is a cylindrical structure, and an end shaft hole 30313 is axially penetrated through the end clamp 3031, and the end shaft hole 30313 is convenient for the piston rod 2 to pass through. The outer wall of the end clamp 3031 is provided with two mounting protrusions 30312, and one mounting protrusion 30312 corresponds to a mounting groove 30213 on a support arm 30211. The mounting protrusion 30312 and the mounting groove 30213 are engaged and matched, so that the end clamp 3031 is installed together with the rod end fixing structure 302. The front end surface of the end clamp 3031 is provided with a plurality of radially arranged cylindrical recesses 30311.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the locking fixture 3032 is a cylindrical structure, and a locking shaft hole 30323 is axially penetrated through the locking fixture 3032, and the locking shaft hole 30323 is convenient for the piston rod 2 to pass through. The locking fixture 3032 is fixedly installed at the rear end of the cap end frame 3011. The outer side wall of the locking fixture 3032 is provided with two locking protrusions 30322, and the locking protrusions 30322 are used to cooperate with the locking groove 54. The rear end of the locking fixture 3032 is provided with a plurality of radially arranged cylindrical protrusions 30322.

[0059] The sensor is used to measure the displacement of the piston rod 2. Figure 6 As shown, the sensor adopts a magnetostrictive sensor 4. The magnetostrictive sensor 4 is a currently available mature product.

[0060] like Fig.11 As shown, the sensor head 401 of the magnetostrictive sensor 4 is fixedly installed inside the cylinder barrel 1 of the hydraulic cylinder, and the piston rod 2 is provided with an active cavity 201 for accommodating the detection rod 402 and the active float 403 of the magnetostrictive sensor 4, and the active float 403 is fixedly installed in the active cavity 201. When the piston rod 2 is extended or retracted, the piston rod 2 moves with the active float 403, so that the active float 403 sleeved on the detection rod 402 is displaced on the detection rod 403, so that the magnetostrictive sensor 4 transmits the corresponding displacement signal to the ECU controller. After the ECU controller receives the signal from the magnetostrictive sensor 4, the ECU controller controls the piston rod 2 to make the next action.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, when the centering and locking function of the hydraulic cylinder is realized, the magnetostrictive sensor 4 is used to detect the movement displacement of the piston rod 2, and transmits the generated movement displacement signal to the ECU controller, and the ECU controller controls the hydraulic cylinder piston rod 2 to retract, and the piston rod 2 drives the cap end fixing structure 301 to retract, and the piston rod 2 retracts until the wheel is in a straight-moving state, and the cylindrical concave portion 30311 on the front end surface of the end clamp 3031 and the cylindrical convex portion 30322 on the rear end surface of the locking clamp 3032 enter a dislocated semi-engaged state (such as Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical protrusion 30322 on the rear end face of the locking fixture 3032 slides counterclockwise into the cylindrical recess 30311 on the front end face of the end fixture 3031. At the same time, the locking protrusion 30321 on the outer wall of the locking fixture 3032 enters from the tapered section m1 of the locking groove M to the necked section m2 of the locking groove M. At this time, in the extension direction of the piston rod 2, because the locking protrusion 30321 is limited by the wall of the locking groove M, the piston rod 2 can be prevented from extending. In this state, the wheel is kept in a straight-moving non-steering position, thereby realizing the centering locking function of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, when the centering locking function of the hydraulic cylinder is canceled, the piston rod 2 is further retracted, and the cylindrical concave portion 30311 on the front end surface of the end clamp 3031 and the cylindrical convex portion 30322 on the rear end surface of the locking clamp 3032 are further dislocated and fully engaged (as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown in the figure, the locking protrusion 30322 on the outer wall of the locking clamp 3032 is rotated out from the necking section m2 of the locking groove M and enters the gradually expanding section m3 of the locking groove M, and is in an unlocked state at this time; at the same time, the limit pin 3013 pushes the cap end frame 301 and the locking clamp 3032 to move toward the end clamp 3031, and the front end of the cap end frame 301 squeezes the supporting spring 3012, so that the supporting spring 3012, one end of which is against the inside of the cap end frame 3011 and the other end is fixed to the piston rod 2, is compressed from a relaxed state, and the elastic force of the supporting spring 3012 is used to rebound the cap end fixing structure 301 and the locking clamp 3032, which can help to quickly release the locking state and allow the locking protrusion 3032 to slide out from the gradually expanding section m3 of the locking groove M. At this time, in the extension direction of the piston rod 2, the locking protrusion 30322 is no longer limited by the wall of the locking groove M, and the piston rod 2 can be extended to allow the rear axle wheel to rotate, thereby canceling the centering locking function of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0063] When the piston rod 2 retracts, the limit pin 3013 can push the cap end fixing structure 301 to retract together with the piston rod 2, and the support spring 3012 gradually accumulates elastic force. When the piston rod 2 extends, the elastic force of the support spring 3012 pushes the cap end fixing structure 301 to leave the rod end fixing structure 302. However, after the elastic force of the support spring 3012 is used up, if the piston rod 2 is further extended, the friction force between the cap end fixing structure 301 and the piston rod 2 can be used to allow the cap end fixing structure 301 to extend together with the piston rod 2, but it cannot exceed the moving range of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0064] When the steering hydraulic cylinder with centering locking function of this embodiment is used on the rear axle of a vehicle:

[0065] On the one hand, when the vehicle speed is too fast, the steering hydraulic cylinder with center locking function on the rear axle can remain locked in the center state, keeping the wheels on the rear axle in a straight-ahead, non-turning position, avoiding the wheels on the rear axle following the steering due to excessive speed, causing the vehicle to roll over and lose control, thereby ensuring the steering safety of the vehicle.

[0066] On the other hand, when the vehicle is at a low speed, the steering hydraulic cylinder with center locking function on the rear axle releases the center locking state, and the piston rod drives the vehicle to steer, thereby helping the vehicle to reduce the turning radius, reduce tire wear, improve flexibility, and ensure the steering safety of the vehicle.

[0067] Through the above process, it can be known that the steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function provided in this embodiment can realize the dual functions of steering and centering and locking without adding centering devices such as centering hydraulic cylinders. It has the characteristics of compact structure and high reliability, saves the limited rear axle space, and is suitable for rear axle steering systems of multi-axle vehicles.

[0068] Furthermore, surprisingly, in the steering hydraulic cylinder with centering locking function of the present embodiment, because the centering locking device is a mechanical structure arranged outside the cylinder barrel 1 and the piston rod 2, it is convenient for inspection and maintenance, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of maintenance.

[0069] In addition, because the rod end fixing structure 302 and the end clamp 3031 in the centering locking device are disassembled and assembled by utilizing the cooperation of the mounting protrusion 30312 and the mounting groove 30213, it is convenient to disassemble and assemble the rod end fixing structure 302 and the end clamp 3031, which is conducive to further facilitating inspection and maintenance and further improving maintenance efficiency.

[0070] In addition, because the cap end fixing structure 301 in the centering locking device is restricted by the limit pin 3013, the cap end fixing structure 301 can be removed from the piston rod 2 by simply removing the limit pin 3013, thereby further facilitating disassembly and maintenance, which is conducive to further improving maintenance efficiency.

[0071] For those skilled in the art, according to the teachings of the present invention, without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the implementation methods are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering hydraulic cylinder with a centering locking function, comprising a hydraulic cylinder barrel and a piston rod, wherein the front end of the hydraulic cylinder barrel is provided with a piston rod. It is characterized in that It also includes a centering locking device, which includes a cap end fixing structure, a rod end fixing structure, and a locking structure. The front end of the piston rod is provided with a cap end fixing structure, and the cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a rod end fixing structure. The locking structure includes an end clamp provided on the rod end fixing structure and a locking clamp provided on the cap end fixing structure. When the locking clamp is locked with the end clamp, the extension of the piston rod is restricted. The cap end fixing structure includes a cap end frame, an elastic member, and a limiting structure. The cap end frame is sleeved on the piston rod. The front end of the piston rod is provided with a limiting structure for preventing the cap end frame from being separated from the piston rod. The cap end frame is provided with an elastic member. The rod end fixing structure includes a rod end frame, the rod end frame is sleeved on the piston rod, the rear end of the rod end frame is fixedly connected to the cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder, the front end of the rod end frame is provided with two support arms, the piston rod is located between the two support arms, and the two support arms are provided with locking grooves on the sides close to each other, and the locking grooves include a tapered section, a necking section, and a gradually expanding section that are connected in sequence; The end fixture is a cylindrical structure sleeved on the piston rod. The end fixture is arranged between the two support arms. The end fixture is fixedly connected to the support arms. The front end surface of the end fixture is provided with a plurality of radially arranged cylindrical recesses. The locking fixture is a cylindrical structure sleeved on the piston rod, the locking fixture is fixedly connected to the cap end frame, the outer side wall of the locking fixture is provided with a locking protrusion, and the rear end surface of the locking fixture is provided with a plurality of radially arranged cylindrical protrusions; When the cylindrical convex part and the cylindrical concave part are half-engaged, the locking protrusion enters the necked section from the tapered section, so that the end clamp and the locking clamp are locked together, and the extension of the piston rod is restricted at this time; When the cylindrical protrusion is deeply engaged with the cylindrical recess, the locking protrusion enters the gradually expanding section from the necking section. Under the action of the elastic member, the locking protrusion slides out of the necking section, and the locking clamp is separated from the end clamp, and the piston rod can be extended.

2. A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function as claimed in claim 1, It is characterized in that The cap end frame is provided with a cap end hole for the piston rod to pass through.

3. A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function as claimed in claim 2, It is characterized in that The elastic member is a support spring, and the support spring is sleeved on the piston rod.

4. A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function as claimed in claim 3, It is characterized in that The limiting structure adopts a limiting pin, and the front end of the piston rod is provided with a lifting ear, and the lifting ear is provided with a pin hole for cooperating with the limiting pin.

5. A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function as claimed in claim 1, It is characterized in that The rear end of the rod end frame is provided with a rod end hole for the piston rod to pass through.

6. A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function as claimed in claim 5, It is characterized in that The two support arms are both provided with mounting grooves, and the outer side wall of the end clamp is provided with mounting protrusions, which are matched with the mounting grooves.

7. A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that It also includes a sensor for detecting the displacement of the piston rod and an ECU controller for receiving sensor information and controlling the extension and retraction of the piston rod.

8. A steering hydraulic cylinder with centering and locking function as claimed in claim 7, It is characterized in that The sensor adopts a magnetostrictive sensor.

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