Deformable integrated hydraulic actuator

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of hydraulic actuator technology, specifically to a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder and a pump, with the hydraulic cylinder and pump flexibly connected. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder barrel and a piston, the cylinder barrel having a piston chamber, and the piston slidably mounted within the piston chamber. The piston chamber has a first chamber and a second chamber located on opposite sides of the piston. The pump has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet communicates with a storage chamber, the first outlet communicates with the first chamber via a first flexible delivery pipe, and the second outlet communicates with the second chamber via a second flexible delivery pipe. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator provided by this invention not only possesses high integrity and compactness, enabling plug-and-play functionality and high convenience, but also allows for shape transformation to adapt to different installation spaces, reducing installation space requirements and demonstrating strong adaptability to various application scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydraulic actuator technology, and more specifically, to a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated hydraulic actuators have a compact structure, strong integrity, small footprint, and are easy to transport and install, making them widely used in various fields.

[0003] However, the components in existing integrated hydraulic actuators are all rigidly connected and have a fixed shape, which leads to limited installation space, high requirements, and poor adaptability to various application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator to alleviate the technical problem of limited installation space in existing integrated hydraulic actuators.

[0005] The present invention provides a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator, comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a pump, wherein the hydraulic cylinder and the pump are flexibly connected.

[0006] The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder barrel and a piston. The cylinder barrel has a piston chamber, and the piston is slidably mounted in the piston chamber. The piston chamber has a first chamber and a second chamber located on both sides of the piston.

[0007] The pump has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to a storage chamber, the first outlet is connected to the first chamber via a first flexible infusion tube, and the second outlet is connected to the second chamber via a second flexible infusion tube.

[0008] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the liquid storage chamber is formed in the cylinder, and the liquid inlet is connected to the liquid storage chamber through a third flexible infusion tube.

[0009] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the first flexible infusion tube, the second flexible infusion tube, and the third flexible infusion tube are all retractable hoses.

[0010] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the pump.

[0011] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the hydraulic cylinder further includes a piston rod, which is fixedly connected to the piston and extends from the cylinder opening. A hydraulic cylinder connecting block is fixedly connected to one end of the cylinder opposite to the cylinder opening. The hydraulic cylinder connecting block is hinged to the pump via a hinge.

[0012] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the first chamber is located on the side of the piston near the cylinder opening, and the cylinder also has a return fluid channel communicating with the first chamber. The return fluid channel, the storage chamber, and the second chamber all penetrate the end of the cylinder opposite to the cylinder opening.

[0013] The hydraulic cylinder connecting block has an outlet channel, a first inlet channel, and a second inlet channel. One end of the outlet channel and the inlet are respectively sealed to both ends of the third flexible inlet tube, and the other end of the outlet channel is sealed to the storage chamber. One end of the first inlet channel and the first outlet are respectively sealed to both ends of the first flexible inlet tube, and the other end of the first inlet channel is sealed to the return channel. One end of the second inlet channel and the second outlet are respectively sealed to both ends of the second flexible inlet tube, and the other end of the second inlet channel is sealed to the second chamber.

[0014] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the hydraulic cylinder and the pump are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure;

[0015] Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the pump via a linkage mechanism.

[0016] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the pump includes a pump housing and two meshing gears, the pump housing having a receiving cavity, and the gears pivotally connected to the receiving cavity; the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet are all located in the pump housing and communicate with the receiving cavity respectively.

[0017] Preferably, as one possible implementation, the deformable integrated hydraulic actuator further includes a motor, which is mounted on the pump housing, and the output shaft of the motor is coaxially fixed to one of the gears.

[0018] Preferably, as one possible implementation, a hydraulic valve is installed inside the pump housing, and both the first outlet and the second outlet are connected to the receiving cavity through the hydraulic valve.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0020] During operation, the pump can be driven to rotate forward (or reverse), causing the liquid in the storage chamber to be pumped in through the inlet and out through the first outlet to the first flexible infusion tube. The liquid is then introduced into the first chamber of the cylinder through the first flexible infusion tube. The liquid entering the first chamber can push the piston in the piston chamber to move forward (or backward). Alternatively, the pump can be driven to rotate in reverse (or forward), causing the liquid in the storage chamber to be pumped in through the inlet and out through the second outlet to the second flexible infusion tube. The liquid is then introduced into the second chamber of the cylinder through the second flexible infusion tube. The liquid entering the second chamber can push the piston in the piston chamber to move backward (or forward).

[0021] It should be noted that because the hydraulic cylinder and pump are connected by a flexible connection, the hydraulic cylinder and pump can change their relative positions according to the installation space, thereby realizing the shape transformation of the deformable integrated hydraulic actuator. In addition, since the first flexible infusion pipe and the second flexible infusion pipe connected between the two are both flexible structures, the first flexible infusion pipe and the second flexible infusion pipe can adapt to the change of relative position between the hydraulic cylinder and the pump, without hindering the shape transformation of the deformable integrated hydraulic actuator.

[0022] Therefore, the variable integrated hydraulic actuator provided by the present invention not only has high integrity and compactness, enabling plug-and-play functionality and high convenience, but also can transform its form to adapt to different installation spaces, reducing the requirements for installation space and making it highly adaptable to various usage scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the deformable integrated hydraulic actuator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the deformable integrated hydraulic actuator provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 100-Hydraulic cylinder; 110-Cylinder barrel; 111-First chamber; 112-Second chamber; 113-Reservoir chamber; 114-Return channel; 120-Piston; 130-Piston rod; 140-Hydraulic cylinder connecting block; 141-Outlet channel; 142-First inlet channel; 143-Second inlet channel;

[0031] 200 - Pump; 210 - Pump housing; 211 - Liquid inlet; 212 - First liquid outlet; 213 - Second liquid outlet; 214 - Receiving cavity; 220 - Gear;

[0032] 300 - First flexible infusion tubing;

[0033] 400 - Second flexible infusion tubing;

[0034] 500 - Third flexible infusion tubing;

[0035] 600-Hinge;

[0036] 700 - Motor; 710 - Motor connecting block. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0039] See Figures 1-5 This embodiment provides a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator, including a hydraulic cylinder 100 and a pump 200, with the hydraulic cylinder 100 and pump 200 flexibly connected. The hydraulic cylinder 100 includes a cylinder barrel 110 and a piston 120. The cylinder barrel 110 has a piston chamber, and the piston 120 is slidably installed in the piston chamber. The piston chamber has a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112 located on both sides of the piston 120. The pump 200 has an inlet 211, a first outlet 212 and a second outlet 213. The inlet 211 is connected to the storage chamber 113, the first outlet 212 is connected to the first chamber 111 through a first flexible infusion pipe 300, and the second outlet 213 is connected to the second chamber 112 through a second flexible infusion pipe 400.

[0040] During operation, the pump 200 can be driven to rotate forward (or reverse), so that the liquid in the storage chamber 113 is pumped in through the inlet 211 and pumped out through the first outlet 212 to the first flexible infusion tube 300. The first flexible infusion tube 300 is used to guide the liquid into the first chamber 111 of the cylinder 110. The liquid entering the first chamber 111 can push the piston 120 in the piston chamber to move forward (or backward). Alternatively, the pump 200 can be driven to rotate in reverse (or forward), so that the liquid in the storage chamber 113 is pumped in through the inlet 211 and pumped out through the second outlet 213 to the second flexible infusion tube 400. The second flexible infusion tube 400 is used to guide the liquid into the second chamber 112 of the cylinder 110. The liquid entering the second chamber 112 can push the piston 120 in the piston chamber to move backward (or forward).

[0041] It should be noted that, because the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200 are connected by a flexible connection, the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200 can change their relative positions according to the installation space, thereby realizing the shape transformation of the deformable integrated hydraulic actuator. In addition, since the first flexible infusion pipe 300 and the second flexible infusion pipe 400 connected between the two are both flexible structures, the first flexible infusion pipe 300 and the second flexible infusion pipe 400 can adapt to the change in the relative position between the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200, without hindering the shape transformation of the deformable integrated hydraulic actuator.

[0042] Therefore, the variable integrated hydraulic actuator provided in this embodiment not only has high integrity and compactness, enabling plug-and-play functionality and high convenience, but also can transform its form to adapt to different installation spaces, reducing the requirements for installation space and making it highly adaptable to various usage scenarios.

[0043] It should be noted that the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200 can be flexibly connected using only flexible infusion tubes (including the first flexible infusion tube 300 and the second flexible infusion tube 400), or other connection structures can be added between the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200.

[0044] Preferably, the liquid storage chamber 113 can be opened on the cylinder barrel 110, which is equivalent to integrating the liquid storage tank into the hydraulic cylinder 100. In this way, there is no need for an external liquid storage tank, which can improve the compactness of the overall structure and reduce the space and weight occupied by the actuator. On this basis, the liquid inlet 211 of the pump 200 and the liquid storage chamber 113 are connected through a third flexible liquid delivery pipe 500 to realize the connection between the liquid storage chamber 113 and the liquid inlet 211 of the pump 200, and can meet the flexible connection requirements between the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200, allowing the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200 to perform relative posture changes.

[0045] Furthermore, the first flexible infusion tube 300, the second flexible infusion tube 400, and the third flexible infusion tube 500 can all be set as telescopic hoses, which can not only meet the requirements of flexible deformation, but also ensure good flow smoothness after being shortened.

[0046] As one possible implementation method, the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200 can be connected by a hinge. This not only allows for the adjustment of the angle between the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200 by rotating the hydraulic cylinder 100 or the pump 200, thus realizing the change of actuator shape, but also provides a certain degree of rigidity, which can improve the overall structural reliability and reduce the load borne by the flexible infusion tube, thereby reducing the strength requirements of the flexible infusion tube and saving costs.

[0047] Specifically, a piston rod 130 is provided in the specific structure of the hydraulic cylinder 100, the piston rod 130 is fixedly connected to the piston 120, the piston rod 130 extends out of the cylinder opening of the cylinder 110, and a hydraulic cylinder connecting block 140 is fixedly connected to the end of the cylinder 110 opposite to the cylinder opening; the hydraulic cylinder connecting block 140 is hinged to the pump 200 through a hinge 600, which allows for smooth rotation and is easy to process.

[0048] Furthermore, the first chamber 111 is positioned on the side of the piston 120 near the opening of the cylinder 110. A return fluid channel 114 is provided on the cylinder 110, connecting the return fluid channel 114 to the first chamber 111. The return fluid channel 114, the storage chamber 113, and the second chamber 112 all extend through the end of the cylinder 110 opposite to the opening. Based on this structure, an outlet channel 141, a first inlet channel 142, and a second inlet channel 143 are provided on the hydraulic cylinder connecting block 140. One end of the outlet channel 141 and the inlet of the pump 200 are respectively sealed and connected to both ends of the third flexible delivery tube 500. The other end of the outlet channel 141 is sealed and connected to the storage chamber 113, thereby achieving indirect communication between the inlet of the pump 200 and the storage chamber 113. This allows the pump 200 to smoothly draw liquid from the storage chamber 113 through the inlet 211, ensuring the sealing performance of the channel between the two and reducing the risk of leakage. One end of the first inlet channel 142 and the first outlet 212 of the pump 200 are respectively sealed and connected to both ends of the first flexible inlet tube 300, and the other end of the first inlet channel 142 is sealed and connected to the return channel 114, so as to achieve indirect communication between the first outlet 212 of the pump 200 and the first chamber 111, so that the liquid pumped by the pump 200 from the first outlet 212 can smoothly enter the first chamber 111 of the cylinder 110 to smoothly pull back the piston rod 130; and can ensure the sealing performance of the channel between the first outlet 212 of the pump 200 and the first chamber 111, reducing the risk of leakage. One end of the second inlet channel 143 and the second outlet 213 of the pump 200 are respectively sealed and connected to both ends of the second flexible inlet tube 400, and the other end of the second inlet channel 143 is sealed and connected to the second chamber 112 to achieve indirect communication between the second outlet 213 of the pump 200 and the second chamber 112. This allows the liquid pumped out by the pump 200 from the second outlet 213 to smoothly enter the second chamber 112 of the cylinder 110, so as to smoothly push out the piston rod 130. It also ensures the sealing performance of the channel between the second outlet 213 of the pump 200 and the second chamber 112, reducing the risk of leakage.

[0049] Specifically, the hydraulic cylinder connecting block 140 and the cylinder barrel 110 can be connected by a threaded connector, which can ensure the reliability of the connection between the two and also enable the hydraulic cylinder connecting block 140 and the cylinder barrel 110 to be separated.

[0050] As another possible implementation, a snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200. The snap-fit ​​structure is used to lock and unlock the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200, thereby adjusting the relative position of the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200.

[0051] As another possible implementation method, a linkage mechanism is provided between the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200, and the relative position of the hydraulic cylinder 100 and the pump 200 is adjusted by means of the linkage mechanism.

[0052] In the specific structure of pump 200, a pump housing 210 and two meshing gears 220 can be provided. A receiving cavity 214 is opened on the pump housing 210, and the gears 220 are installed in the receiving cavity 214 and pivotally connected to the pump housing 210 so that the gears 220 can rotate freely in the receiving cavity 214. The inlet 211, the first outlet 212 and the second outlet 213 are all opened on the pump housing 210, and the inlet 211, the first outlet 212 and the second outlet 213 are respectively connected to the receiving cavity 214. One of the two gears 220 is the driving gear and the other is the driven gear. When the driving gear rotates forward (or backward), it can draw the liquid in the storage chamber 113 into the receiving chamber 214 through the inlet 211, and pump it through the first outlet 212 to the first flexible infusion tube 300. The liquid then enters the first chamber 111 of the cylinder 110 through the first flexible infusion tube 300, pushing the piston 120 in the piston chamber to move forward (or backward). When the driving gear rotates backward (or forward), it can draw the liquid in the storage chamber 113 into the receiving chamber 214 through the inlet 211, and pump it through the second outlet 213 to the second flexible infusion tube 400. The liquid then enters the second chamber 112 of the cylinder 110 through the second flexible infusion tube 400, pushing the piston 120 in the piston chamber to move backward (or forward). With this integrated design, pump 200 can operate normally by simply connecting an external driver to drive the drive gear, reducing the risk of liquid leakage and enhancing sealing.

[0053] In this embodiment, a motor 700 can be set as a driver. The motor 700 is installed on the pump housing 210, and the output shaft of the motor 700 is coaxially fixed with one of the gears 220 (driving gear). In this way, starting the motor 700 can drive the actuator to work, which is convenient to use.

[0054] The motor 700 can be mounted on the pump housing 210 via the motor connecting block 710, which facilitates processing.

[0055] A hydraulic valve can be installed inside the pump housing 210, and both the first outlet 212 and the second outlet 213 are connected to the receiving cavity 214 through the hydraulic valve, so as to realize flow control by using the hydraulic valve, and to precisely control the extension length and movement direction of the piston rod 130.

[0056] The liquid mentioned above can be oil or other liquids.

[0057] In summary, this invention discloses a deformable integrated hydraulic actuator that overcomes many technical shortcomings of traditional integrated hydraulic actuators, such as limited installation space. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator provided by this invention not only possesses high integrity and compactness, enabling plug-and-play functionality and high convenience, but also allows for shape transformation to adapt to different installation spaces, reducing space requirements and demonstrating strong adaptability to various application scenarios.

[0058] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deformable integrated hydraulic actuator, characterized in that, It includes a hydraulic cylinder (100) and a pump (200), wherein the hydraulic cylinder (100) and the pump (200) are flexibly connected; The hydraulic cylinder (100) includes a cylinder barrel (110) and a piston (120). The cylinder barrel (110) has a piston chamber, and the piston (120) is slidably installed in the piston chamber. The piston chamber has a first chamber (111) and a second chamber (112) located on both sides of the piston (120). The pump (200) has an inlet (211), a first outlet (212) and a second outlet (213). The inlet (211) is connected to the storage chamber (113). The first outlet (212) is connected to the first chamber (111) through a first flexible infusion tube (300). The second outlet (213) is connected to the second chamber (112) through a second flexible infusion tube (400). The liquid storage chamber (113) is located in the cylinder (110), and the liquid inlet (211) is connected to the liquid storage chamber (113) through a third flexible infusion tube (500); The hydraulic cylinder (100) is hinged to the pump (200); The hydraulic cylinder (100) also includes a piston rod (130), which is fixedly connected to the piston (120). The piston rod (130) extends out of the cylinder opening of the cylinder (110), and a hydraulic cylinder connecting block (140) is fixedly connected to one end of the cylinder (110) opposite to the cylinder opening. The hydraulic cylinder connecting block (140) is hinged to the pump (200) via a hinge (600).

2. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flexible infusion tube (300), the second flexible infusion tube (400) and the third flexible infusion tube (500) are all retractable hoses.

3. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chamber (111) is located on the side of the piston (120) near the opening of the cylinder (110). The cylinder (110) also has a return channel (114), which communicates with the first chamber (111). The return channel (114), the liquid storage chamber (113), and the second chamber (112) all pass through the end of the cylinder (110) opposite to the opening. The hydraulic cylinder connecting block (140) is provided with an outlet channel (141), a first inlet channel (142), and a second inlet channel (143). One end of the outlet channel (141) and the inlet (211) are respectively sealed to both ends of the third flexible inlet tube (500), and the other end of the outlet channel (141) is sealed to the storage chamber (113). One end of the first inlet channel (142) and the first outlet (212) are respectively sealed to both ends of the first flexible inlet tube (300), and the other end of the first inlet channel (142) is sealed to the return channel (114). One end of the second inlet channel (143) and the second outlet (213) are respectively sealed to both ends of the second flexible inlet tube (400), and the other end of the second inlet channel (143) is sealed to the second chamber (112).

4. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The pump (200) includes a pump housing (210) and two meshing gears (220). The pump housing (210) has a receiving cavity (214), and the gears (220) are pivotally connected to the receiving cavity (214). The inlet (211), the first outlet (212), and the second outlet (213) are all located in the pump housing (210) and communicate with the receiving cavity (214).

5. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator also includes a motor (700), which is mounted on the pump housing (210), and the output shaft of the motor (700) is coaxially fixed to one of the gears (220).

6. The deformable integrated hydraulic actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that, A hydraulic valve is installed inside the pump housing (210), and the first outlet (212) and the second outlet (213) are both connected to the receiving cavity (214) through the hydraulic valve.

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