A wheel-dragging vehicle frame structure

Abstract

This invention discloses a wheeled tractor frame structure, relating to the field of new energy engineering machinery. The invention includes a front bracket, an engine, a pair of side connecting plates, a generator, a drive motor, an output mechanism, and a motor support. The engine body and oil pan are reinforced cast iron structures, while the generator and drive motor housings are made of aluminum alloy. The output mechanism is a box-type housing integrating a hydraulic mechanism, gearbox, work output device, and rear axle. The engine, generator, drive motor, and output mechanism are connected in series longitudinally, forming a longitudinal load-bearing main chain, eliminating the need for a through-beam. The side connecting plates on both sides simultaneously connect to the sides of the front bracket, engine, generator, motor support, and output mechanism, forming a lateral tie. The motor support supports the bottom of the drive motor and simultaneously fixes the output mechanism through an opening slot. This addresses the problems of low space utilization and limited powertrain layout caused by the through-beam welded frame in existing wheeled tractors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new energy engineering machinery, specifically, to a wheel-trailer frame structure. Background Technology

[0002] Wheeled tractors are widely used in agricultural farming, transportation, and engineering operations. Traditional wheeled tractors typically employ a through-type welded longitudinal beam structure, where two longitudinal beams extending along the entire length of the vehicle are welded together with several crossbeams to form a rigid frame. The engine, transmission, rear axle, and other assemblies are then fixed to this frame using mounting brackets or bolts. While this structure offers high rigidity, it suffers from several drawbacks: first, the heavy frame results in a high overall machine weight and poor fuel economy; second, the longitudinal beams occupy a significant amount of chassis space, limiting the compact arrangement of the powertrain; and third, the welding process is complex, making it difficult to guarantee manufacturing precision, and the welds are prone to fatigue cracking under long-term vibration conditions.

[0003] In recent years, some models have attempted to eliminate independent longitudinal beams, utilizing the engine oil pan or gearbox housing as load-bearing components to create so-called "frameless" or "semi-framed" structures. For example, some small tractors design their engine oil pans as reinforced cast iron pieces, directly bolted to the front end of the gearbox housing, eliminating the need for a front longitudinal beam. However, this type of solution is typically only suitable for short-wheelbase, low-power models, and only addresses partial load transfer in the longitudinal direction, lacking sufficient resistance to lateral shear forces and torsional moments. When multiple rotating mechanical components such as engines, generators, and drive motors are arranged in series, the end-face bolt connections between components are prone to loosening due to torque fluctuations, potentially leading to shaft misalignment or even damage over long-term operation.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a wheel-trailer frame structure that can form a reliable longitudinal load-bearing main chain through the structure of each component and specific connection methods, without eliminating the through longitudinal beam, and achieve effective lateral reinforcement with the help of side connecting plates, thereby taking into account lightweight, compactness and structural reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wheel tractor frame structure to solve the problems of low space utilization, large overall weight, and limited powertrain layout caused by the use of through-beam welded frames in existing wheel tractors.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following technical means: A wheeled tractor frame structure includes: Front bracket; The engine has a reinforced cast iron structure for both its body and oil pan. A pair of side panels are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the frame; dynamo; Drive motor; The output mechanism is a box-shaped housing that integrates the hydraulic mechanism, gearbox, working output device and rear axle; Motor support; in, The front end face of the engine is bolted to the rear end face of the front bracket, the rear end face of the engine is bolted to the front end face of the generator, and the left and right sides of the engine are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates. The rear end face of the generator is bolted to the front end face of the drive motor, and the left and right sides of the generator are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates. The rear end face of the drive motor is connected to the front end face of the output mechanism by bolts. The bottom of the drive motor is attached to the rear end of the motor support. The rear end of the motor support simultaneously locks the front end face of the output mechanism and the rear end face of the drive motor in parallel by bolts. The left and right sides of the motor support are respectively connected to the inner side of the corresponding side connecting plate by bolts. The left and right sides of the output mechanism are respectively connected to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates by bolts. The left and right sides of the front bracket are respectively bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates.

[0007] Preferably, the front bracket has a front counterweight mounting interface at its front end, a front axle connection interface at its lower part, and mounting and fixing positions for the intercooler and water tank at its middle part.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the engine oil pan is provided with reinforcing ribs, and the left and right walls of the oil pan are respectively fixed to the inner side surface of the corresponding side connecting plate by bolts.

[0009] Furthermore, both the generator housing and the drive motor housing are castings with heat dissipation fins distributed axially, and both end faces of the generator housing and the drive motor housing are machined with flange faces, which are then fastened with bolts after being fitted with the end faces of adjacent components.

[0010] Furthermore, the side connecting plate is a strip plate with a thickness of 8~15mm, spanning at least four connection points with different components along the longitudinal direction, and the side connecting plate is provided with weight reduction holes or reinforcing ribs.

[0011] Furthermore, the motor support is an L-shaped or U-shaped bracket structure, with its horizontal section supporting the bottom of the drive motor and its vertical section fitting and fixed to the inner side of the side connecting plate; the rear end of the motor support is provided with an opening slot for bolts to pass through and simultaneously fix the rear end face of the output mechanism and the drive motor.

[0012] Furthermore, a stop positioning structure is provided between the front end face of the output mechanism and the rear end face of the drive motor; the output mechanism has independent hydraulic torque converter chamber, gearbox gear chamber, PTO output shaft chamber and rear axle differential chamber, and each chamber is separated by partitions and bearing seats.

[0013] Furthermore, sealing gaskets are provided at the end face contact points between the engine and the generator, between the generator and the drive motor, and between the drive motor and the output mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the total length of the frame structure is less than 3500mm, and in the longitudinal continuous structure formed by the front bracket, engine, generator, drive motor and output mechanism being connected in series with their end faces attached in the longitudinal direction, there are no independent through-beam members with a length greater than 500mm.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects during use: By connecting the engine, generator, drive motor, and output mechanism longitudinally in a series with their end faces attached, and utilizing the housings of each component as longitudinal load-bearing members, the traditional through-beam design is eliminated, significantly reducing frame weight and chassis space occupation. The aluminum alloy housings of the generator and drive motor not only bear structural loads but also serve a heat dissipation function, improving integration. Symmetrically arranged side connecting plates integrate the front bracket, engine, generator, motor support, and output mechanism on the side, enhancing the vehicle's torsional rigidity and lateral stability. The motor support simultaneously fixes the drive motor and output mechanism through open slots, simplifying the installation process and ensuring connection reliability. The four-in-one integrated structure of the output mechanism reduces the number of components and connection points, lowering the torque transmitted from the rear axle to the front end. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention viewed from below.

[0018] Among them, 1-front bracket, 2-engine, 3-side connecting plate, 4-generator, 5-drive motor, 6-output mechanism, 7-motor support. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this invention can be combined with each other.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a wheel-trailer frame structure includes a front bracket 1, an engine 2, a pair of side connecting plates 3, a generator 4, a drive motor 5, an output mechanism 6, and a motor support 7. The engine block and oil pan of the engine 2 are both reinforced cast iron structures. The housings of the generator 4 and the drive motor 5 are both made of aluminum alloy. The output mechanism 6 is a box-type housing integrating a hydraulic mechanism, gearbox, work output device, and rear axle.

[0026] The front end face of engine 2 is bolted to the rear end face of front bracket 1. The rear end face of engine 2 is bolted to the front end face of generator 4. The left and right sides of engine 2 are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates 3. The rear end face of generator 4 is bolted to the front end face of drive motor 5. The left and right sides of generator 4 are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates 3. The rear end face of drive motor 5 is bolted to the front end face of output mechanism 6. The bottom of drive motor 5 is fitted against the rear end of motor support 7. The rear end of motor support 7 simultaneously bolts the front end face of output mechanism 6 and the rear end face of drive motor 5 together. The left and right sides of motor support 7 are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates 3. The left and right sides of output mechanism 6 are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates 3. The left and right sides of front bracket 1 are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates 3.

[0027] The aforementioned structure forms a longitudinal load-bearing main chain consisting of the front bracket 1, engine 2, generator 4, drive motor 5, and output mechanism 6 connected in series along the longitudinal direction, eliminating the need for the traditional through-beam longitudinal structure. The cast iron reinforced engine block and oil pan of engine 2 serve as the front load-bearing beam, the aluminum alloy housings of generator 4 and drive motor 5 serve as the middle load-bearing beam, and the integrated box-type housing of output mechanism 6 serves as the rear load-bearing beam, together forming a complete longitudinal load-bearing path. Side connecting plates 3 on both sides connect all the above components into a single unit on the sides, ensuring that the components work together to bear bending, shear, and torsional loads, avoiding localized stress concentration. The motor support 7 supports the drive motor 5 from below and simultaneously fixes the output mechanism 6 through an opening slot, ensuring the connection rigidity between the drive motor 5 and the output mechanism 6.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the front of the front bracket 1 is provided with a front counterweight mounting interface, the lower part of the front bracket 1 is provided with a front axle connection interface, and the middle part of the front bracket 1 is provided with mounting positions for the intercooler and the water tank. The front counterweight mounting interface allows for the addition of counterweights as needed to improve traction performance; the front axle connection interface provides direct mounting support for the front axle without the need for an additional subframe; the mounting positions for the intercooler and the water tank allow the cooling module to be compactly arranged in the area of ​​the front bracket 1, making full use of the front space.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the oil pan of the engine 2 is provided with reinforcing ribs, and the left and right walls of the oil pan are respectively fixed to the inner surfaces of the corresponding side connecting plates 3 by bolts. The reinforcing ribs increase the bending stiffness of the bottom of the oil pan, enabling it to better bear the bending moment of the front section of the longitudinal load-bearing main chain. The direct bolt fixing of the oil pan side walls to the side connecting plates 3 directly transmits the lateral force to the side connecting plates 3, reducing intermediate links in the force transmission path.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, both the housing of generator 4 and the housing of drive motor 5 are castings with heat dissipation fins distributed axially. Both end faces of the housing of generator 4 and drive motor 5 are machined with flanges, which are then bolted together with the end faces of adjacent components. The heat dissipation fins increase the surface area of ​​the housing, facilitating heat dissipation during motor operation. Simultaneously, the axially distributed fins enhance the axial bending modulus of the housing. The flanges provide a smooth mating surface, ensuring the tightness and alignment of the end-face bolt connections.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the side connecting plate 3 is a strip plate with a thickness of 8-15mm, spanning at least four connection points with different components along the longitudinal direction, and the side connecting plate 3 is provided with weight-reducing holes or reinforcing ribs. The thickness range of 8-15mm controls the weight while ensuring sufficient lateral stiffness. Spanning at least four connection points means that the side connecting plate 3 simultaneously connects at least four of the front bracket 1, engine 2, generator 4, motor support 7, and output mechanism 6, ensuring that each segment of the longitudinal load-bearing main chain receives lateral constraint. The weight-reducing holes or reinforcing ribs can be flexibly designed according to the actual stress conditions to further optimize structural efficiency.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the motor support 7 has an L-shaped or U-shaped bracket structure. Its horizontal section supports the bottom of the drive motor 5, and its vertical section is fitted and fixed to the inner side of the side connecting plate 3. The rear end of the motor support 7 has an opening slot, allowing bolts to pass through and simultaneously fix the rear end faces of the output mechanism 6 and the drive motor 5. The L-shaped or U-shaped structure allows the motor support 7 to bear the vertical weight of the drive motor 5 and to transfer the vertical load to the side connecting plate 3 through the vertical section. The opening slot design allows a single bolt to pass through the motor support 7, the rear end face of the drive motor 5, and the front end face of the output mechanism 6 simultaneously, achieving three-point parallel locking and improving the reliability of the connection and assembly efficiency.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, a stop-positioning structure is provided between the front end face of the output mechanism 6 and the rear end face of the drive motor 5. The output mechanism 6 internally comprises independent hydraulic torque converter chambers, gearbox gear chambers, PTO output shaft chambers, and rear axle differential chambers, separated by partitions and bearing seats. The stop-positioning structure ensures precise alignment between the drive motor 5 and the output mechanism 6, preventing vibration and wear caused by axial misalignment. The independent separation of each chamber avoids cross-contamination of lubricating oils with different functions, while the partitions and bearing seats enhance the overall rigidity of the output mechanism 6 housing, enabling it to withstand larger torque and oscillating loads from the rear axle.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, sealing gaskets are provided at the end face contact points between the engine 2 and the generator 4, between the generator 4 and the drive motor 5, and between the drive motor 5 and the output mechanism 6. The sealing gaskets fill the tiny gaps between the end faces, preventing engine oil, coolant, or external moisture from entering the motor, thus ensuring the sealing performance and long-term operational reliability of the powertrain.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the total length of the frame structure is less than 3500mm, and in the longitudinally continuous structure formed by the front bracket 1, engine 2, generator 4, drive motor 5, and output mechanism 6 connected in series with their end faces attached along the longitudinal direction, there are no independent through-beam members with a length greater than 500mm. This size limitation ensures that the overall frame is compact and suitable for small and medium-sized wheeled tractors.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cast iron reinforced body and oil pan of engine 2 are sequentially connected in series along the longitudinal direction with the aluminum alloy housings of generator 4 and drive motor 5, as well as the integrated box-type housing of output mechanism 6, forming a complete longitudinal load-bearing main chain, completely eliminating the traditional through-beam. This significantly reduces the weight of the vehicle frame and the space occupied by the chassis, providing conditions for the compact layout of the new energy powertrain.

[0037] A pair of side connecting plates 3 are simultaneously bolted to the sides of the front bracket 1, engine 2, generator 4, motor support 7, and output mechanism 6, thus laterally binding the various segments of the longitudinal load-bearing main chain together. This coordination allows the components to deform collaboratively when the frame is subjected to shear forces and torsional loads generated by cornering, bumps, and other conditions, avoiding excessive stress at individual connection points and significantly improving the torsional stiffness and lateral stability of the entire vehicle.

[0038] The motor support 7 simultaneously bolts the drive motor 5 and the output mechanism 6 through the opening slot at its rear end. Combined with its horizontal section supporting the bottom of the drive motor 5 and its vertical section fixed to the side connecting plate 3, it achieves a rigid parallel locking between the drive motor 5 and the output mechanism 6. This combination eliminates the drawbacks of cantilever installation of the drive motor 5, ensures the reliability of the connection at the end of the long series power chain, and simplifies the assembly process.

[0039] The output mechanism 6 integrates the hydraulic mechanism, gearbox, working output device, and rear axle into a box-type housing, with a stop positioning structure between its front end face and the rear end face of the drive motor 5. This fit reduces the torque transmitted through the front end of the drive shaft by the rear axle steering sway, protects the drive motor 5 and generator 4 from impact loads, and extends the motor life.

[0040] The integrated design of the front counterweight interface, lower front axle interface, and middle cooling module mounting position of the front bracket 1, combined with the multi-point bracing effect of the side connecting plate 3, enables the front load to be evenly distributed to the entire frame, avoiding local overload in the front axle area.

[0041] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A frame structure for a wheel tractor, characterized in that include: Front bracket (1); Engine (2); A pair of side connecting plates (3) are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the frame; Generator (4); Drive motor (5); Output mechanism (6), which is a box-shaped housing integrating hydraulic mechanism, gearbox, working output device and rear axle; Motor support (7); in, The front end face of the engine (2) is bolted to the rear end face of the front bracket (1), the rear end face of the engine (2) is bolted to the front end face of the generator (4), and the left and right sides of the engine (2) are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates (3). The rear end face of the generator (4) is bolted to the front end face of the drive motor (5), and the left and right sides of the generator (4) are bolted to the inner sides of the corresponding side connecting plates (3). The rear end face of the drive motor (5) is connected to the front end face of the output mechanism (6) by bolts. The bottom of the drive motor (5) is attached to the rear end of the motor support (7). The rear end of the motor support (7) simultaneously locks the front end face of the output mechanism (6) and the rear end face of the drive motor (5) in parallel by bolts. The left and right sides of the motor support (7) are respectively connected to the inner side of the corresponding side connecting plate (3) by bolts. The left and right sides of the output mechanism (6) are respectively connected to the inner side of the corresponding side connecting plate (3) by bolts; The left and right sides of the front bracket (1) are respectively connected to the inner side of the corresponding side connecting plate (3) by bolts.

2. The wheel trailer frame structure according to claim 1, characterized by The front bracket (1) has a front counterweight installation interface at its front end, a front axle connection interface at its lower part, and an intercooler and water tank installation and fixing position at its middle part.

3. The wheel trailer frame structure according to claim 1, characterized by: The bottom surface of the oil pan of the engine (2) is provided with reinforcing ribs, and the left and right sides of the oil pan are respectively fixed to the inner side of the corresponding side connecting plate (3) by bolts.

4. The wheel trailer frame structure according to claim 1, characterized by: The outer casing of the generator (4) and the outer casing of the drive motor (5) are both castings with heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation fins are distributed along the axial direction. Both end faces of the outer casing of the generator (4) and the end faces of the outer casing of the drive motor (5) are machined with flange faces. The flange faces are fastened with bolts after being attached to the end faces of adjacent components.

5. The wheel trailer frame structure according to claim 1, characterized by: The side connecting plate (3) is a strip plate with a thickness of 8-15mm, spanning at least four connection points with different components along the longitudinal direction, and the side connecting plate (3) is provided with weight reduction holes or reinforcing ribs.

6. The wheel tractor frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor support (7) has an L-shaped or U-shaped bracket structure. Its horizontal section supports the bottom of the drive motor (5), and its vertical section is attached and fixed to the inner side of the side connecting plate (3). The rear end of the motor support (7) is provided with an opening slot for bolts to pass through and simultaneously fix the rear end face of the output mechanism (6) and the drive motor (5).

7. The wheel tractor frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end face of the output mechanism (6) and the rear end face of the drive motor (5) are provided with a stop positioning structure; the output mechanism (6) is provided with independent hydraulic torque converter chamber, gearbox gear chamber, PTO output shaft chamber and rear axle differential chamber, and each chamber is separated by partition and bearing seat.

8. The wheel tractor frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Sealing gaskets are provided at the end face contact points between the engine (2) and the generator (4), between the generator (4) and the drive motor (5), and between the drive motor (5) and the output mechanism (6).

9. The wheel tractor frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The total length of the frame structure is less than 3500mm, and in the longitudinal continuous structure formed by the front bracket (1), engine (2), generator (4), drive motor (5) and output mechanism (6) being connected in series with their end faces attached in the longitudinal direction, there is no independent through-beam component with a length greater than 500mm.

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