Oil cylinder capable of recycling energy, engineering machinery and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of engineering machinery, and discloses an oil cylinder capable of recycling energy, engineering machinery, a method and a recycling device.The oil cylinder capable of recycling energy comprises a generator and a rack, the generator is installed at the position of an oil cylinder head, a gear and a ratchet wheel are arranged on a rotating shaft of the generator, and the ratchet wheel is coaxial with a rotor in the generator and fixedly connected with the rotating shaft; the gear can rotate on the rotating shaft, and a ratchet handle is arranged on the side, close to the ratchet wheel, of the gear. One end of the rack is installed at the front end of a cylinder rod of the oil cylinder, the rack is matched with the gear, the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder retracts to drive the rack to retract, the rack drives the gear to rotate, and power generation of the generator is achieved through matching of the ratchet handle and the ratchet wheel. Kinetic energy of linear motion of the oil cylinder is effectively recycled in the working process of the oil cylinder, and the kinetic energy is converted into electric energy to be stored and used when the whole machine needs, so that the energy utilization efficiency is remarkably improved, the equipment operation energy consumption is reduced, meanwhile, the system structure is simplified, and the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of engineering machinery, and in particular to an oil cylinder capable of recovering energy, engineering machinery and a method. Background Art

[0002] Hydraulic cylinders, as the core actuators for achieving linear reciprocating motion, are widely used in many types of engineering machinery, such as hydraulic excavators, loaders, and mining dump trucks. However, traditional hydraulic cylinders suffer from significant energy waste during operation, a defect that seriously restricts the energy efficiency and sustainable development of engineering machinery products. Taking an excavator as an example, during the boom lowering process, the working device's own gravitational potential energy is converted into the pressure energy of the hydraulic oil, and this energy is usually dissipated directly as heat energy through the relief valve. According to statistics, under the above operating conditions, the energy loss of traditional hydraulic systems accounts for as much as 30%-50% of the total system energy consumption, which not only significantly increases the operating costs of the equipment but also causes huge energy consumption.

[0003] To address the energy recovery issue, some solutions have been proposed in the prior art. For example, accumulators are used to recover energy. When hydraulic system pressure is too high, excess hydraulic oil is stored in the accumulator and released when needed. However, this approach has significant drawbacks. First, the accumulator's response speed to changes in hydraulic oil pressure and flow is limited, resulting in low energy recovery efficiency. Second, integrating the accumulator with the hydraulic cylinder requires the addition of complex oil circuits, control valves, and pressure regulators. This not only increases system complexity and cost, but also makes it prone to failures such as leakage, reducing system stability.

[0004] In addition, there is also technology that uses hydraulic motor-generator units to recover energy, but this technology is difficult to promote and apply on a large scale when adapted to traditional cylinders due to problems such as interface incompatibility and complex control logic. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an energy-recoverable cylinder, engineering machinery and method, which can effectively recover the kinetic energy of the cylinder's linear motion during the cylinder's operation, and convert it into electrical energy for storage, which can be used when the whole machine needs it, thereby significantly improving energy utilization efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, and simplifying the system structure and reducing costs.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, an oil cylinder capable of recovering energy comprises: The recovery device includes a generator and a rack. The generator is installed at the head of the oil cylinder. A gear and a ratchet are provided on the rotating shaft of the generator. The ratchet is coaxial with the rotor in the generator and fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The gear is rotatable on the rotating shaft, and a ratchet handle is provided on the side close to the ratchet wheel. One end of the rack is installed at the front end of the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder. The rack cooperates with the gear. When the cylinder rod retracts, the rack is retracted, and the rack drives the gear to rotate. The cooperation between the ratchet handle and the ratchet wheel enables the generator to generate electricity. The rectifier component connects the power storage unit and the generator. The power generated by the generator is converted into electrical energy by the rectifier component and stored in the power storage unit.

[0007] As a further implementation method, the cylinder head is installed at the front end of the cylinder, and the cylinder head is installed on the generator through a generator fixing bracket.

[0008] As a further implementation method, a connecting pin is provided at the front end of the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder, and the front end of the rack is rotatably mounted on the connecting pin, and the length direction of the rack is parallel to the axis of the oil cylinder.

[0009] As a further implementation method, a rack pressure plate is provided on the cylinder head, and the rack pressure plate is provided on the side of the rack away from the generator fixing bracket; a roller is provided under the rack pressure plate, and the roller cooperates with the back side of the rack.

[0010] As a further implementation, the generator is a flywheel generator, including a generator body and a flywheel on the rotating shaft of the generator body, and the ratchet is arranged between the flywheel and the gear, and the ratchet is arranged close to the gear.

[0011] As a further implementation method, there are at least two ratchet handles, which are evenly arranged around the ratchet wheel. The gear is connected to the ratchet handle through a fixed shaft and a torsion spring so that the ratchet handle is pressed against the ratchet wheel. When the rack is retracted, the ratchet handle pushes the ratchet wheel to rotate.

[0012] As a further implementation, the rectification component includes a rectifier and a regulator, the power storage unit uses a battery, and the generator, rectifier, regulator and battery are connected in sequence through lines.

[0013] As a further implementation, the battery is further connected to electrical components via a circuit with a switch.

[0014] In a second aspect, an engineering machine is provided with an oil cylinder capable of recovering energy as described above.

[0015] In a third aspect, a method for operating an energy-recoverable oil cylinder is provided, using any of the above energy-recoverable oil cylinders, comprising the following steps: When the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder is extended, the rack drives the gear to rotate, and the ratchet handle on the gear can slide over the ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel does not rotate and the generator does not generate electricity. When the cylinder rod retracts, it drives the rack to retract, and the rack drives the gear to rotate. Through the cooperation of the ratchet handle and the ratchet wheel, the ratchet wheel and the rotor inside the generator rotate synchronously, realizing the generator to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the generator is converted into electrical energy through the rectifier component and stored in the storage unit.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The present invention sets a recovery device at the position of the cylinder head. When the cylinder rod is retracted, it drives the rack to drive the gear, and then the ratchet drives the internal rotor of the generator to rotate to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the generator is converted into electrical energy through the rectifier component and stored in the storage unit. This effectively recovers the kinetic energy of the linear motion of the cylinder during the operation of the cylinder, and converts it into electrical energy for storage, which can be used when the whole machine needs it, thereby significantly improving energy utilization efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, and simplifying the system structure and reducing costs.

[0017] 2. The present invention utilizes a simple transmission to effectively convert the kinetic energy of linear motion into electrical energy for recovery, without the need for complex hydraulic oil circuits, valve groups, and energy storage devices; the presence of the ratchet mechanism and the flywheel enables high energy recovery efficiency, simple control logic, and ensures that the extension of the cylinder does not consume energy and energy is recovered only when the cylinder stroke is reduced; the electrical energy is stored in the battery and can be reused according to system needs, thereby significantly improving energy utilization efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, and operating costs.

[0018] 3. The present invention utilizes the rack pressure plate and the roller to limit the rack, ensuring that the rack can be extended and retracted along the axis of the cylinder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the oil cylinder capable of recovering energy in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the recovery device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gear train according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a flywheel generator in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the figure: the distances or sizes between parts are exaggerated to show the positions of various parts, and the schematic diagram is for reference only.

[0022] Among them: 1. Cylinder; 101. Cylinder head; 2. Circuit; 3. Rectifier; 4. Regulator; 5. Battery; 6. Switch; 7. Recovery device; 8. Connecting pin; 9. Generator fixing bracket; 10. Generator; 11. Rack; 111. Through hole; 12. Rack pressure plate; 13. First roller; 14. Second roller; 15. Gear train; 16. Generator with flywheel; 17. First ratchet; 18. Gear; 19. Ratchet; 20. Second ratchet; 21. Flywheel; 22. Generator body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and is intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0024] As mentioned in the background technology, existing hydraulic cylinder energy recovery technologies generally have problems such as low recovery efficiency, complex structure, high cost, and poor compatibility. There is an urgent need to develop a recyclable energy cylinder with a simple structure, high efficiency and energy saving, and easy integration to meet the urgent needs of industrial production for energy conservation, emission reduction, and efficient operation.

[0025] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, a cylinder that can recover energy includes a rectifier component and a recovery device 7 arranged on the cylinder 1. The recovery device 7 generates electricity when driven by the retracted state of the cylinder rod. The rectifier component is connected to the storage unit and the generator. The electricity generated by the generator is converted into electrical energy by the rectifier component and stored in the storage unit.

[0026] This embodiment utilizes a simple transmission to effectively convert the kinetic energy of linear motion into electrical energy for recovery, without requiring complex hydraulic oil circuits, valve groups, and energy storage devices.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the oil cylinder 1 is a conventional device with an articulated base at its end for articulation with a corresponding position on the construction machinery. A bracket is provided at the front end of the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder 1, which is equipped with a connecting pin 8. The bracket is articulated with the corresponding structure of the construction machinery via the connecting pin 8. The front end of the oil cylinder is equipped with a cylinder head 101, an annular cylindrical structure fixed to the front end of the oil cylinder 1 body. The straight line of the cylinder rod is collinear with the axis of the cylinder head 101.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the recovery device 7 includes a generator and a rack 11, wherein the generator is mounted at the position of the cylinder head 101. Specifically, the cylinder head 101 is provided with a generator fixing bracket 9, through which the generator fixing bracket 9 is mounted a generator device 10, which is a generator, specifically a flywheel generator 16.

[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, the flywheel generator 16 includes a generator body 22 and a flywheel 21 on a rotating shaft of the generator body 22 .

[0030] Furthermore, a gear train 15 for driving the generator body 22 to generate electricity is further provided on the rotating shaft of the generator body 22. The structure of the gear train 15 includes a ratchet handle, a gear 18 and a ratchet wheel 19.

[0031] Gear 18 and ratchet 19 are mounted on the shaft of generator body 22. Ratchet 19 is coaxial with the flywheel and the rotor within generator body 22 and is fixedly connected to the shaft. Ratchet 19, flywheel 21, and rotor rotate synchronously. Gear 18 is freely rotatable on the shaft and is in rotational connection with the shaft.

[0032] like Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, the gear train 15 is provided on the side of the generator 10 close to the cylinder head 101, the ratchet 19 is provided between the flywheel 21 and the gear 18, and the gear 18 is located between the ratchet 19 and the cylinder head 101. The ratchet 19 is provided on the side of the gear 18 away from the cylinder head 101.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, gear 18 is provided with ratchet handles on one side near ratchet 19. There are at least two ratchet handles, evenly spaced around ratchet 19. The ratchet handles in this embodiment include a first ratchet handle 17 and a second ratchet handle 20, symmetrically positioned around ratchet 19. Specifically, a fixed shaft is provided on the side of gear 18. Gear 18 is connected to the ratchet handles via the fixed shaft and a torsion spring, pressing the ratchet handles against ratchet 19.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, when the gear 18 rotates counterclockwise, the first ratchet handle 17 and the second ratchet handle 20 installed on the gear 18 slide over the ratchet 19 and do not transmit the power to the ratchet 19. When the gear 18 rotates clockwise driven by the rack 11, the first ratchet handle 17 and the second ratchet handle 20 installed on the gear 18 are inserted into the tooth grooves of the ratchet 19, driving the ratchet 19 to rotate together.

[0035] The rotation of the ratchet 19 can realize the synchronous rotation of the flywheel 21, the rotating shaft and the rotor inside the generator body 22, thereby realizing the generator to generate electricity.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one end of the rack 11 is provided with a through hole 111, and the end of the rack 11 with the through hole 111 is installed at the front end of the cylinder rod of the cylinder 1. Specifically, the front end of the rack 11 with the through hole 111 is rotatably connected with the connecting pin 8, and the length direction of the rack 11 is parallel to the axis of the cylinder 1.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown. The rack 11 is located outside the bracket. When the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder 1 is extended, the rack 11 can be extended through the connecting pin 8. When the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder 1 is retracted, the rack 11 can be retracted synchronously.

[0038] The rack 11 is provided on one side of the gear 18 and meshes with the gear 18. Figure 2 In order to ensure that the rack 11 can move linearly along the axis of the cylinder 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, a rack pressure plate 12 is fixed above the cylinder head 101, with a set distance between the rack pressure plate 12 and the cylinder head 101. The bottom surface of the rack pressure plate 12, close to the side of the rack 11, slides with the rack. A first roller 13 and a second roller 14 are also provided on the bottom surface of the rack pressure plate 12, and the first roller 13 and the second roller 14 cooperate with the back of the rack.

[0039] The rack pressing plate 12 can limit the rack 11 from running outward, ensuring that the rack 11 is always meshed with the gear 18. The roller and the gear 18 limit the rack from extending and retracting along its own axis.

[0040] In a preferred example, a groove is provided on the back side of the rack 11, that is, the side of the rack away from the tooth surface, and the roller cooperates with the groove so that the rack can better move along the same straight line direction.

[0041] It is understood that the rack pressure plate 12 can be fixed to the cylinder head 101 via a fixing plate or other structure, or fixed to the cylinder head 101 via two sets of threaded rods, with the middle position of the two sets of threaded rods being a polished rod, and a roller provided via a bearing structure. Any method is sufficient as long as the rack pressure plate 12 and the roller can restrain the rack.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the rectification component includes a rectifier 3 and a regulator 4. The power storage unit is a battery 5. The generator body 22, rectifier 3, regulator 4, and battery 5 are sequentially connected via a line 2. The battery 5 is also connected to the power-consuming components via a line with a switch 6, so that the energy stored in the battery 5 can be used to power other power-consuming components. In a preferred embodiment, the generator is also grounded via a ground wire.

[0043] The entire system ensures that the engine power is converted into electrical energy through the rectification component and stored in the battery 5 through the coordinated work of the generator, rectifier 3, regulator 4 and battery 5.

[0044] Among them, the rectifier 3 is an existing structure. When the alternating current enters the rectifier 3 from the generator, the unidirectional conductivity of the diode will only allow the current to flow in one direction, thereby converting the alternating current into pulsating direct current, making the direction of the current relatively stable and changing in a direction suitable for charging the battery.

[0045] The voltage of pulsating DC power still fluctuates to a certain extent, and battery 5 requires a stable operating voltage to charge safely and efficiently. After the pulsating DC power is regulated by regulator 4, it becomes stable. After being processed by rectifier 3 and regulator 4, the stable DC power is then transmitted to battery 5.

[0046] It can be understood that when the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder 1 is retracted to the shortest position, due to the inertia of the rotation of the flywheel 21, it still stores a part of the rotational kinetic energy. Therefore, the flywheel 21 can continue to drive the rotor of the generator 22 to rotate and generate electricity until the energy of the flywheel 21 is released or the next operating cycle occurs. At the same time, the existence of the ratchet mechanism can ensure that the rotation of the flywheel 21 will not reverse drive the gear 20.

[0047] The energy-recoverable hydraulic cylinder of this embodiment converts the kinetic energy of its linear motion into rotational energy through a gear train 15. Part of this rotational energy is stored in a flywheel 21, while part directly drives a generator to generate electricity, which is then converted into electrical energy and stored in a battery. The rotational energy of the flywheel 21 can continue to be released after a single stroke, driving the generator to generate electricity.

[0048] This embodiment utilizes a simple transmission to effectively convert the kinetic energy of linear motion into electrical energy for recovery, without the need for complex hydraulic oil circuits, valve groups, and energy storage devices; the presence of the ratchet mechanism and the flywheel 21 enables high energy recovery efficiency, simple control logic, and ensures that the extension of the cylinder does not consume energy, and energy is only recovered when the cylinder stroke is reduced; the electrical energy stored in the battery 5 can be reused according to system needs, thereby significantly improving energy utilization efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, and operating costs.

[0049] Example 2 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, a construction machine is provided with an energy-recoverable cylinder as described in Example 1. The energy-recoverable cylinder is suitable for a variety of construction machines using hydraulic cylinders, such as excavators, loaders, mining dump trucks, etc., and has advantages and use value in terms of cost, performance, and adaptability.

[0050] Example 3 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, a method for operating an oil cylinder capable of recovering energy, using the oil cylinder capable of recovering energy as described in Example 1, includes the following steps: When the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder 1 is extended, the rack 11 is extended to drive the gear 18 to rotate counterclockwise, but the ratchet handle on the gear 18 can slide over the ratchet 19, and the ratchet 19 does not rotate, so the generator does not generate electricity.

[0051] When the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder 1 retracts, the rack 11 is driven to retract, and the rack 11 drives the gear 18 to rotate clockwise. Through the cooperation of the ratchet handle and the ratchet 19, the ratchet 19 and the rotor inside the generator are driven to rotate synchronously, thereby realizing the generator to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the generator is converted into electrical energy through the rectifier 3 and the regulator 4 and stored in the battery 5.

[0052] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oil cylinder capable of recovering energy, characterized in that: include: The recovery device includes a generator and a rack. The generator is installed at the head of the oil cylinder. A gear and a ratchet are provided on the rotating shaft of the generator. The ratchet is coaxial with the rotor in the generator and fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The gear is rotatable on the rotating shaft, and a ratchet handle is provided on the side close to the ratchet wheel. One end of the rack is installed at the front end of the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder. The rack cooperates with the gear. When the cylinder rod retracts, the rack is retracted, and the rack drives the gear to rotate. The cooperation between the ratchet handle and the ratchet wheel enables the generator to generate electricity. The rectifier component connects the power storage unit and the generator. The power generated by the generator is converted into electrical energy by the rectifier component and stored in the power storage unit.

2. The oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil cylinder head is mounted on the front end of the oil cylinder, and the oil cylinder head is mounted on the generator through the generator fixing bracket.

3. The oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 2, characterized in that: A connecting pin is provided at the front end of the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder, and the front end of the rack is rotatably mounted on the connecting pin, with the length direction of the rack being parallel to the axis of the oil cylinder.

4. The oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 3, characterized in that: A rack pressure plate is provided on the oil cylinder head, and the rack pressure plate is provided on the side of the rack away from the generator fixing bracket; a roller is provided below the rack pressure plate, and the roller cooperates with the back side of the rack.

5. The oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The generator is a flywheel generator, comprising a generator body and a flywheel on the rotating shaft of the generator body. The ratchet is arranged between the flywheel and the gear, and the ratchet is arranged close to the gear.

6. The oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are at least two ratchet handles, which are evenly arranged around the ratchet wheel. The gear is connected to the ratchet handles through a fixed shaft and a torsion spring so that the ratchet handles are pressed against the ratchet wheel. When the rack is retracted, the ratchet handles push the ratchet wheel to rotate.

7. The oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rectification component includes a rectifier and a regulator, the power storage unit adopts a battery, and the generator, rectifier, regulator and battery are connected in sequence through lines.

8. The oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 7, characterized in that: The battery is also connected to electrical components via a circuit with a switch.

9. An engineering machine, characterized in that: The engineering machinery is provided with an oil cylinder capable of recovering energy as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for operating an oil cylinder capable of recovering energy, characterized in that: The method of using the oil cylinder capable of recovering energy according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises the following steps: When the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder is extended, the rack drives the gear to rotate, and the ratchet handle on the gear can slide over the ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel does not rotate and the generator does not generate electricity. When the cylinder rod retracts, it drives the rack to retract, and the rack drives the gear to rotate. Through the cooperation of the ratchet handle and the ratchet wheel, the ratchet wheel and the rotor inside the generator rotate synchronously, realizing the generator to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the generator is converted into electrical energy through the rectifier component and stored in the storage unit.

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