An electric steering axle and power transmission structure thereof and an engineering vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses an electric steering axle and a power transmission structure and an engineering vehicle thereof, which comprises an axle housing, a support seat, an electric motor, a bogie and a transmission shaft; a pair of support seats are installed on the two side shaft surfaces of the axle housing; a pair of electric motors are installed in the accommodating cavities of the axle housing, the output shafts of the two electric motors are connected with flanges I in the support seats after penetrating through the corresponding axle housing shaft surfaces respectively; a pair of bogies are hingedly connected with the corresponding support seats on the two sides of the axle housing, wheel edge reducers are installed at the outer side shaft surfaces of the bogies, the input shafts of the wheel edge reducers are connected with flanges II in the bogies; the transmission shaft is connected between the flanges I and the flanges II, the electric motor transmits power to the wheel edge reducers through the flanges I, the flanges II and the transmission shaft respectively, and drives the wheel edge reducers to rotate. The application breaks through the limitation of the existing mechanical transmission axle, can realize bidirectional driving, and the vehicle does not need to drive in the loading and unloading area, thereby greatly improving the loading and unloading efficiency and reducing tire wear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric steering axle, which is applied to heavy-duty mining dump trucks and belongs to the field of transmission technology. Background Technology

[0002] With societal development, the economic efficiency and safety of mining operations are receiving increasing attention, making autonomous driving technology one of the most popular research directions in the mining industry. Autonomous driving, through big data scheduling systems, can maximize mining and transportation efficiency, reduce safety accidents, and significantly lower mining costs.

[0003] Most of the driverless vehicles currently operating in mines are modifications of existing, mature manned vehicles. They achieve automatic driving by adding electric control systems, environmental perception systems, and network control systems. However, the power transmission and suspension systems of the existing vehicles have not been improved. They are still front-wheel steering and rear-wheel drive, which cannot achieve bidirectional driving. They need to turn around in the loading and unloading areas, and multiple adjustments are required to reach the ideal position, which affects transportation efficiency.

[0004] Existing mechanical transmission axles, because the main reduction gear has a helical structure and is directional, cannot run in reverse for a long time and therefore cannot be used in bidirectional vehicles.

[0005] Patents ZL201710785911.3 and 202210637946.3 provide structural solutions for electric drive axles, but both are rigid axles without steering function. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an electric steering axle and its power transmission structure, which breaks through the limitations of existing mechanical transmission axles, enabling bidirectional driving. Vehicles do not need to turn around in the loading and unloading area, greatly improving loading and unloading efficiency and reducing tire wear.

[0007] This invention is implemented according to the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a power transmission structure for an electric steering axle, comprising:

[0009] A bridge shell with a cavity for housing;

[0010] A pair of support seats are mounted on the two axial surfaces of the bridge housing;

[0011] A pair of electric motors are installed in the receiving chamber of the bridge housing. The output shafts of the two motors pass through the corresponding bridge housing shaft surfaces and are connected to flange I located in the support base.

[0012] A pair of bogies are hinged to corresponding support seats on both sides of the axle housing. A wheel-side reducer is installed on the outer axle surface of the bogie. The input shaft of the wheel-side reducer is connected to flange II located in the bogie.

[0013] The drive shaft is connected between flange I and flange II. The electric motor transmits power to the wheel-side reducers through flange I, flange II and the drive shaft, respectively, driving the wheel-side reducers to rotate. The speed of each reducer is controlled by the control system of the electric motor, which can realize differential control. By controlling the direction of the electric motor, the vehicle can move forward or backward.

[0014] In some embodiments, the two ends of the drive shaft are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the hinge point connecting the support and the bogie, ensuring that the universal joint angles at both ends of the drive shaft are consistent during steering.

[0015] In some embodiments, the central axes of the motors on both sides, the central axes of the drive shafts on both sides, and the central axes of the wheel-side reducers on both sides coincide.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention discloses an electric steering axle, comprising:

[0017] The power transmission structure of the electric steering axle described above;

[0018] The steering linkage is hinged between the two bogies on both sides;

[0019] A pair of steering cylinders, one end of which is hinged to the axle housing, and the other end of which is hinged to the corresponding bogie;

[0020] A lateral limiting rod is installed on a support base on one side;

[0021] A pair of suspension cylinders are respectively mounted on corresponding support seats;

[0022] The A-frame has its tail ends mounted on corresponding support seats on both sides, and its head is equipped with a hinge joint.

[0023] In some embodiments, the left and right support seats are each provided with two steering hinge holes arranged coaxially for assembling the bogie; a suspension seat is provided on the top outer surface of the left and right support seats for assembling the suspension cylinder; a mounting surface for assembling the A-frame is provided on the back of the left and right support seats; and a lateral limit seat for connecting the lateral limit rod is provided on the front of the left support seat.

[0024] In some embodiments, the left and right bogies are each provided with two steering hinge holes arranged coaxially to assemble support seats; the front of the left and right bogies is provided with a steering arm, and the steering arm is provided with a tie rod pin hole for assembling a steering linkage and a steering pin hole for assembling a steering cylinder.

[0025] In some embodiments, a steering seat is provided at the front of the axle housing, and two steering pin holes for connecting to the steering cylinder are symmetrically opened on the steering seat.

[0026] In some embodiments, the steering linkage, a pair of steering cylinders, and the lateral limit rod are located at the front of the axle housing, with the steering linkage located outside the two steering cylinders and the lateral limit rod located above the steering linkage and steering cylinders; the A-frame is located at the back of the axle housing; and the pair of suspension cylinders are located on the top surface of the axle housing.

[0027] Thirdly, the present invention discloses an engineering vehicle equipped with the power transmission structure of the aforementioned electric steering axle; or, equipped with the aforementioned electric steering axle.

[0028] In some embodiments, the engineering vehicle includes an unmanned, bidirectional dump truck.

[0029] Based on the application of the above technical solutions, the beneficial effects of this invention compared with the prior art are as follows:

[0030] The electric steering axle eliminates the central reducer and differential of a conventional mechanical drive axle. It uses two independent electric motors to drive the wheel-side reducers on both sides. Through a control system for these motors, their individual speeds are controlled, enabling differential control. By controlling the steering of the electric motors, the vehicle can move forward or backward. In contrast, the central reducer of a conventional mechanical drive axle uses curved bevel gears with directional teeth; prolonged reverse driving significantly impacts the gear's lifespan.

[0031] Conventional mechanical steering drive axles require double universal joints to transmit torque, resulting in a complex structure that cannot achieve high torque transmission and has a relatively small steering angle, generally not exceeding 38°. Electric steering axles improve the power transmission system by using an external drive shaft to connect the electric motor and wheel-side reducers, transmitting greater torque, facilitating maintenance, and allowing steering angles exceeding 45°, thus significantly reducing the vehicle's turning radius. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are provided to further illustrate the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Clearly, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0033] In the attached diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a front view of the electric steering axle of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a side view of the electric steering axle of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a top view of the electric steering axle of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electric steering axle of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the power transmission structure of the electric steering axle of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a front view of the bridge shell and left and right support structures and their connection method of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a side view of the bridge shell and left and right support structures and their connection method of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 A top view of the bridge shell and left and right support structures and their connection method of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a front view of the left and right bogie structures and their connection method according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 These are side views of the left and right bogie structures and their connection methods according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of the electric steering axle of the present invention.

[0045] Attached diagram labels: 1. Electric steering axle; 2. Chassis; 3. Wheels; 4. Cargo box;

[0046] 1-1. Electric motor; 1-2. Axle housing; 1-3. Wheel-side reducer; 1-4. A-frame; 1-5. Lateral limit bar; 1-6. Steering cylinder; 1-7. Steering link; 1-8. Suspension cylinder; 1-9. Left support seat; 1-10. Right support seat; 1-11. Left bogie; 1-12. Right bogie; 1-13. Drive shaft; 1-14. Flange I; 1-15. Flange II; 1-2-1. Steering seat; 1-2-2. Steering pin hole I; 1-4-1. Hinge joint; 1-9-1. Suspension seat I; 1-9-2. Steering hinge hole I; 1-9-3. Steering shaft I ; 1-9-4, Mounting surface I; 1-9-5, Lateral limit seat I; 1-10-1, Suspension seat II; 1-10-2, Steering hinge hole II; 1-10-3, Steering shaft II; 1-10-4, Mounting surface II; 1-11-1, Steering hinge hole III; 1-11-2, Steering shaft III; 1-11-3, Left steering arm; 1-11-4, Steering pin hole II; 1-11-5, Tie rod pin hole I; 1-12-1, Steering hinge hole IV; 1-12-2, Steering shaft IV; 1-12-3, Left steering arm; 1-12-4, Steering pin hole III; 1-12-5, Tie rod pin hole II.

[0047] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] Figures 1 to 10 As shown, an electric steering axle 1 includes two electric motors 1-1, axle housing 1-2, two wheel-side reducers 1-3, an A-frame 1-4, a lateral limit bar 1-5, two steering cylinders 1-6, a steering linkage 1-7, two suspension cylinders 1-8, a left support seat 1-9, a right support seat 1-10, a left bogie 1-11, a right bogie 1-12, two drive shafts 1-13, two flanges I 1-14, and two flanges II 1-15; the head of the A-frame 1-4 is provided with a hinge joint 1-4-1.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the steering linkage 1-7, the two steering cylinders 1-6, and the lateral limit rod 1-5 are located in front of the axle 1-2, with the steering linkage 1-7 located outside the two steering cylinders 1-6 and the lateral limit rod 1-5 located above the steering linkage 1-7 and the steering cylinders 1-6; the A-frame 1-4 is located on the back of the axle housing 1-2, and the two suspension cylinders 1-8 are located on the top surface of the axle housing 1-2.

[0053] Figure 5 As shown, two motors 1-1 are installed inside the axle housing 1-2 and output power to both ends respectively. The output shafts of motors 1-1 are connected to flange I 1-14 respectively; the input shafts of the two wheel-side reducers 1-3 are connected to flange II 1-15 respectively; a drive shaft 1-13 is connected between flange I 1-14 and flange II 1-15; motors 1-1 transmit power to wheel-side reducers 1-3 through flange I 1-14, flange II 1-15 and drive shaft 1-13 respectively, driving wheel-side reducers 1-3 to rotate.

[0054] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, there are two wheel-side reducers 1-3, which are respectively arranged at both ends of the electric steering axle 1. The left bogie 1-11 is fixedly connected to the left wheel-side reducer 1-3, and the right bogie 1-12 is fixedly connected to the right wheel-side reducer 1-3.

[0055] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the two ends of the axle housing 1-1 are fixedly connected to the left support seat 1-9 and the right support seat 1-10; a steering seat 1-2-1 is provided on one side of the axle housing 1-1, and two steering pin holes Ⅰ1-2-2 are symmetrically opened on the steering seat 1-2-1.

[0056] The left support 1-9 is equipped with a suspension seat I1-9-1, two steering hinge holes I1-9-2, a steering shaft I1-9-3, a mounting surface I1-9-4, and a lateral limit seat I1-9-5; the two steering hinge holes I1-9-2 are coaxial vertically, with the steering shaft I1-9-3 as their axis. The right support 1-10 is equipped with a suspension seat II1-10-1, two steering hinge holes II1-10-2, a steering shaft II1-10-3, and a mounting surface II1-10-4; the two steering hinge holes II1-10-2 are coaxial vertically, with the steering shaft II1-10-3 as their axis.

[0057] Two suspension cylinders 1-8 are symmetrically hinged on suspension seat I1-9-1 and suspension seat II1-10-1; A-type frame is fixedly installed on mounting surface I1-9-4 and mounting surface II1-10-4; one end of the lateral limiting rod 1-5 is hinged to the lateral limiting seat I1-9-5.

[0058] Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the left bogie 1-11 is provided with two steering hinge holes Ⅲ1-11-1, steering shaft Ⅲ1-11-2, left steering arm 1-11-3, steering pin hole Ⅱ1-11-4, and tie rod pin hole Ⅰ1-11-5; the two steering hinge holes Ⅲ1-11-1 are coaxial, with the axis of steering shaft Ⅲ1-11-2;

[0059] The right bogie 1-12 is provided with two steering hinge holes IV1-12-1, steering shaft IV1-12-2, right steering arm 1-12-3, steering pin hole III1-12-4 and tie rod pin hole II1-12-5; the two steering hinge holes IV1-12-1 are coaxial, with the axis being the steering shaft IV1-12-2.

[0060] One end of each of the two steering cylinders 1-6 is hinged to be installed in one of the two steering pin holes I1-2-2, and the other end of each of the two steering cylinders 1-6 is installed in one of the steering pin holes II1-11-4 and III1-12-4, respectively; the steering linkage 1-7 is connected to the tie rod pin hole I1-11-5 and the tie rod pin hole II1-12-5.

[0061] Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the left support 1-9 and the left bogie 1-11 are hinged together through steering hinge hole I1-9-2 and steering hinge hole III1-11-1, and steering shaft I1-9-3 and steering shaft III1-11-2 coincide; the right support 1-10 and the right bogie 1-12 are hinged together through steering hinge hole II1-10-2 and steering hinge hole IV1-12-1, and steering shaft II1-10-3 and steering shaft IV1-12-2 coincide.

[0062] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the two ends of the drive shaft 1-13 are symmetrically arranged relative to the steering shaft Ⅲ1-11-2 or the steering shaft Ⅳ1-12-2, which can ensure that the universal joint angles at both ends of the drive shaft 1-13 are consistent when turning.

[0063] The electric steering axle 1 eliminates the central reducer and differential of a conventional mechanical drive axle. It uses two independent electric motors 1-1 to drive the wheel-side reducers 1-3 on both sides respectively. The control system of electric motors 1-1 controls their respective speeds, enabling differential control. By controlling the steering of electric motors 1-1, the vehicle can move forward or backward. In contrast, the central reducer of a conventional mechanical drive axle uses curved bevel gears with directional teeth; prolonged reverse driving significantly impacts gear life.

[0064] Conventional mechanical steering drive axles require double universal joints to transmit torque, resulting in a complex structure that cannot achieve high torque transmission and has a relatively small steering angle, generally not exceeding 38°. The electric steering axle 1 described above improves the power transmission system by using an external drive shaft 1-13 to connect the electric motor 1-1 and the wheel-side reducer 1-3. This results in greater torque transmission, easier maintenance, and a steering angle exceeding 45° (each universal joint at both ends of the drive shaft can rotate at 25°, and the total steering angle of the drive shaft is the sum of the rotation angles of the universal joints at both ends), significantly reducing the vehicle's turning radius.

[0065] like Figure 11 As shown, the present invention also discloses an unmanned bidirectional dump truck, including a frame 2, multiple sets of wheels 3, a cargo box 4, and equipped with multiple electric steering axles 1 as described above.

[0066] The electric steering axle 1 is installed sequentially under the frame 2, and multiple sets of wheels 3 are fixedly connected to the wheel-side reducers 1-3 and rotate with the wheel-side reducers 1-3; the wheels 3 can be a dual-tire structure or a single-tire structure. The number of electric steering axles 1 is not less than 2, and in this embodiment of the invention, 4 electric steering axles 1 are arranged.

[0067] There is no mechanical connection between the axles, and each motor is independent and controlled by a separate controller; all axles are steering drive axles, with a small turning radius, stronger driving force, better maneuverability, and reduced tire wear when the truck turns; the electric steering axle breaks through the limitations of the existing mechanical transmission axle, enabling bidirectional travel, and the truck does not need to turn around in the loading and unloading area, which greatly improves loading and unloading efficiency and reduces tire wear.

[0068] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0069] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features found in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are also within the scope of protection of this invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art can use them in combination based on known technical solutions and the technical problems to be solved by this application.

[0070] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power transmission structure for an electric steering axle, characterized in that, include: A bridge shell with a cavity for housing; A pair of support seats are mounted on the two axial surfaces of the bridge housing; A pair of electric motors are installed in the receiving chamber of the bridge housing. The output shafts of the two motors pass through the corresponding bridge housing shaft surfaces and are connected to flange I located in the support base. A pair of bogies are hinged to corresponding support seats on both sides of the axle housing. A wheel-side reducer is installed on the outer axle surface of the bogie. The input shaft of the wheel-side reducer is connected to flange II located in the bogie. The drive shaft is connected between flange I and flange II. The electric motor transmits power to the wheel-side reducer through flange I, flange II and drive shaft respectively, driving the wheel-side reducer to rotate. The speed of each part is controlled by the control system of the electric motor, which can realize differential control. By controlling the direction of the electric motor, the vehicle can move forward or backward. The two ends of the drive shaft are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the hinge point connecting the support base and the bogie, ensuring that the universal joint angles at both ends of the drive shaft are consistent when turning. The central axes of the motors on both sides, the central axes of the drive shafts on both sides, and the central axes of the wheel-side reducers on both sides coincide.

2. An electric steering axle, characterized in that, include: The power transmission structure of the electric steering axle as described in claim 1; The steering linkage is hinged between the two bogies on both sides; A pair of steering cylinders, one end of which is hinged to the axle housing, and the other end of which is hinged to the corresponding bogie; A lateral limiting rod is installed on a support base on one side; A pair of suspension cylinders are respectively mounted on corresponding support seats; A-frame, with its tail ends mounted on corresponding support seats on both sides, and a hinge joint at the head; The left and right support seats are each provided with two steering hinge holes arranged coaxially, for assembling the bogie; Each of the left and right support bases has a suspension seat on its top outer surface for mounting the suspension cylinder; The back of each of the left and right support bases is provided with a mounting surface for assembling the A-frame; A lateral limiting seat for connecting the lateral limiting rod is provided in front of the left support seat; The left and right bogies are each provided with two steering hinge holes arranged coaxially on the upper and lower sides for mounting support seats; Each of the left and right bogies has a steering arm at the front, and the steering arm has a tie rod pin hole for assembling the steering linkage and a steering pin hole for assembling the steering cylinder.

3. An electric steering axle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front of the axle housing is provided with a steering seat, and two steering pin holes for connecting to the steering cylinder are symmetrically opened on the steering seat.

4. An electric steering axle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steering linkage, a pair of steering cylinders, and the lateral limit rod are located at the front of the axle housing, with the steering linkage located outside the two steering cylinders and the lateral limit rod located above the steering linkage and steering cylinders; the A-frame is located at the back of the axle housing; and the pair of suspension cylinders are located on the top surface of the axle housing.

5. An engineering vehicle, characterized in that: The power transmission structure of the electric steering axle as described in claim 1 is installed; or, the electric steering axle as described in any one of claims 2 to 4 is installed.

6. The engineering vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The engineering vehicles include unmanned, bidirectional dump trucks.

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