Bent shaft piston motor and system

Abstract

Bent shaft piston motors and systems are described herein. In one example, a cranked axle motor includes a valve plate coupled to at least one piston of a cylinder block, the valve plate including a first plurality of grooves spaced about a valve plate opening, the grooves being located on a first side of the valve plate facing the cylinder block, the valve plate further including a second plurality of grooves disposed on a second side of the valve plate facing away from the cylinder block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to hydraulic motors and, more particularly, to a bent axis motor. Background Art

[0002] The hydraulic axial piston motor may be a bent axis piston motor comprising a bent axis unit (BAU) rotating group, wherein the BAU rotating group is a variable displacement unit, whose displacement piston is arranged at a certain angle to the drive shaft of the hydraulic axial piston motor. In a variable displacement device, the effective device displacement can be changed by adjusting the tilt angle of the hydraulic motor cylinder to control the torque and / or speed of the drive shaft. The cylinder tilt angle can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the bent axis piston motor servo piston and controlling the pressure in the two chambers at both ends of the servo piston. The pressure can be controlled by a dedicated regulator, which can be hydraulic or electro-hydraulic.

[0003] One problem with current BAUs is that the balance of the device is set at the manufacturing stage and cannot be adjusted during operation due to its predefined geometric features. Balance may affect mechanical efficiency and displacement. If the balance is too high, the displacement of the BAU may be reduced, which may increase its volumetric efficiency but reduce mechanical efficiency. If the balance is too low, the displacement may be high, which may reduce volumetric efficiency, while mechanical efficiency may increase. Therefore, a BAU that can achieve variable balance may be needed to provide support in different environments. Utility Model Content

[0004] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the above problems can be solved by a valve plate coupled to at least one piston of a cylinder block, the valve plate including a first plurality of grooves spaced around a valve plate opening, the grooves being located on a first side of the valve plate facing the cylinder block, the valve plate also including a second plurality of grooves disposed on a second side of the valve plate facing away from the cylinder block, and a port cover including a plurality of ports for passing fluid to the valve plate. In this way, the balance of the valve plate can be automatically adjusted by the flow of fluid in at least one or more of the grooves.

[0005] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce in a simplified form the concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely determined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Various aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings:

[0007] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of a bent axis piston motor system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a bent axis piston motor system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3A is a first side schematic diagram of a valve plate of a bent axis piston motor system drawn according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a second side of a valve plate of a bent axis piston motor system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a cover of a servo piston housing of a bent axis piston motor system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5A , 5B 5C shows one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure, by Figure 3A , 3B and 4, different positions of the bent axis piston motor system consisting of the valve plate and servo piston block; and

[0013] 6A, 6B and 6C show different positions of a prior art bent axis piston motor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] An example of a hydraulic axial piston motor is a bent axis piston motor, which includes a bent axis unit (BAU). The BAU includes a cylinder rotating group (also referred to herein as a BAU rotating group), which is mounted in a cylinder block, and the cylinder block is rotated by a pump through a pressurized fluid. The BAU allows the cylinder block to have a certain inclination angle with the output shaft of the BAU. When the inclination angle between the cylinder block and the output shaft increases, the displacement of the BAU and the bent axis piston motor will also increase, thereby outputting a greater torque on the output shaft. When the inclination angle between the cylinder block and the output shaft decreases, the displacement may decrease, which may result in a decrease in the torque output by the output shaft.

[0015] The BAU of the present disclosure may be a variable balanced bent axis piston motor including a valve plate with one or more cutouts and grooves that facilitate variable balancing as described herein. The valve plate includes different areas that can provide different hydraulic fluid pressures, which combined with the customized cutouts can provide automatic variable balancing of the BAU, thereby improving the mechanical and volumetric efficiency of the equipment under a wider range of operating conditions. Automatic balancing of the valve plate may include adjusting the balance of the valve plate without actuating the valve, and is accomplished by fluid entering and exiting the valve plate grooves.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a bent axis piston motor system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a bent axis piston motor system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A A schematic diagram of a first side of a valve plate of a bent axis piston motor system is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a second side of a valve plate of a bent axis piston motor system is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a servo piston housing of a bent axis piston motor system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show different positions of a prior art embodiment of a bent axis piston motor system. Figure 5A , 5B 5C show one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure, including Figure 3A , 3B and 4 different positions of the valve plate and the piston block of the bent axis piston motor system.

[0017] Reference now Figure 1 , a schematic diagram of a bent axis piston motor system 100 for a vehicle 102 is shown, including a hydraulic bent axis piston motor 104, the motor 104 being connected to a controller 112 and connected to one or more wheels 110 of the vehicle via a drive shaft 120. It should be understood that although Figure 1 Reference is made to one embodiment within a vehicle, but in other embodiments, the bent axis piston motor system 100 may not be included in a vehicle, but may be included in a different machine that produces torque for purposes other than propulsion.

[0018] The bent axis piston motor 104 includes a BAU 105. The pump 150 rotates the cylinder body (particularly the BAU rotating group) of the BAU 105 by means of a pressurized fluid. When the cylinder body rotates, the pressurized hydraulic oil pumped into the BAU 105 by the pump 150 generates a certain torque on the drive shaft 120. The pump 150 may be part of a hydraulic circuit that includes a regulator and / or a valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid. In some examples, in addition or alternatively, the hydraulic circuit may not include a valve, and the valve plate of the bent axis piston motor may include a function configured as an automatic balancing valve plate, as described in more detail herein. In order to increase or decrease the torque, the inclination angle of the BAU rotating group relative to the drive shaft 120 may be adjusted. By adjusting the inclination angle, the displacement of the BAU rotating group may be increased, thereby increasing the torque, or the displacement of the BAU rotating group may be reduced, thereby reducing the torque.

[0019] The controller 112 may include a processor 140 and a memory 142. The memory 142 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor 140, may cause the controller 112 to perform various methods, control strategies, diagnostic techniques, etc. For example, various methods may include adjusting the tilt angle of the cylinder block relative to the drive shaft 120 to change the amount of torque applied to the drive shaft 120 (e.g., in response to operator input). The processor 140 may include a microprocessor unit and / or other types of circuits. The memory 142 may include known data storage media, such as random access memory, read-only memory, keep-alive memory, combinations thereof, etc. The memory 142 may include non-transitory memory.

[0020] The controller 112 may receive vehicle data and various signals from sensors located at various locations on the bent axis piston motor 104 and / or the vehicle 102. The sensors may include an oil temperature sensor 170, an engine speed sensor 172, one or more wheel speed sensors 174, and / or other sensors of the bent axis piston motor 104 (e.g., torque sensors, pressure sensors, valve plate angle sensors, etc.). The controller 112 may send control signals to one or more actuators of the bent axis piston motor 104 based on operator input and / or signals received from the sensors. For example, the controller 112 may adjust the speed and / or torque generated on the drive shaft 120 based on operator input and / or signals received from the sensors.

[0021] The bent axis piston motor system 100 may include one or more input devices 114. For example, the input device 114 may include a vehicle pedal (such as an accelerator pedal), a control lever (such as a forward-neutral-reverse (FNR) lever), one or more buttons or similar control types, or a combination thereof. In one example, the FNR joystick is used to operate the vehicle in a forward direction or a reverse direction, and the accelerator pedal is used to increase or decrease the vehicle speed. The input device 114 can generate a torque adjustment request and a desired driving direction (forward direction or reverse direction) based on the driver's input. For example, when the controller receives a speed adjustment request, the output speed of the bent axis piston motor 104 can be increased accordingly.

[0022] Reference now Figure 2 , a detailed schematic diagram of a bent axis piston motor BAU 200 is shown, which BAU 200 may be the above reference Figure 1A non-limiting example of a BAU 105 of a bent axis piston motor 104 is shown. The BAU 200 includes a BAU rotating group 202 mounted in a housing 201 of the BAU 200. The BAU rotating group 202 includes a cylinder block 203 containing a plurality of pistons 206 that slide in a corresponding plurality of respective chambers 217 of the cylinder block 203. As the BAU rotating group 202 rotates, the pistons 206 can rotate the flanges 207 via hydraulic pressure. The center joint 205 can include a retaining spring 213 that can provide a force that counteracts the hydraulic pressure to maintain the respective pistons 206 in a desired position within the respective chambers 217.

[0023] The BAU rotating group 202 can be used as a transmission to provide a variable output torque on the drive shaft 204 according to the tilt angle 280 of the cylinder block 203 relative to the drive shaft 204. An equal number of respective chambers 217 can be mounted on the variable angle valve plate 208, so that the range of motion of the piston 206 can be set by the tilt angle 280 between the variable angle valve plate 208 of the BAU rotating group 202 and the drive shaft 204. The piston 206 can be connected to the flange 207 through the central joint 205, so that the flange 207 is rotated by the piston 206 when the tilt angle 280 is adjusted, wherein the central joint 205 is a universal joint or a ball joint.

[0024] The flange 207 may be mechanically coupled to the drive shaft 204 via a plurality of roller bearings 209 mounted within respective plurality of bearing seats 211 such that when the flange 207 is rotated by the rotary piston 206, the rotation of the flange 207 is transferred to the drive shaft 204. The housing 201 may include a shaft seal 250 that may seal the BAU 200 around the surface of the drive shaft 204.

[0025] The chamber 217 is in fluid communication with the hydraulic system, and the hydraulic fluid fills the chamber 217 and the conduit therebetween. The chamber may be connected to a hydraulic conduit, and the hydraulic fluid circulates between the hydraulic system and the chamber 217 through the hydraulic conduit. During operation of the variable fluid motor, the hydraulic system may flow hydraulic fluid to the chamber 217 through the inlet hydraulic circuit, and receive hydraulic fluid back from the chamber 217 through the outlet hydraulic circuit.

[0026] The variable angle valve plate 208 may be connected to a control piston 216 of the BAU 200 within a servo piston housing 222. The control piston 216 may be driven by hydraulic fluid to adjust the tilt angle 280 between the variable angle valve plate 208 and the drive shaft 204. The control piston 216 may be interchangeably referred to herein as a servo piston 216.

[0027] In one example, the variable angle valve plate 208 is connected to the control piston 216 through a cam joint 218, and the tilt angle 280 can be adjusted when the control piston 216 slides in the piston chamber 220 of the servo piston housing 222. The control piston 216 can slide in a first direction indicated by an upward arrow 282 or in a second direction indicated by a downward arrow 284 (for example, in the Z dimension indicated by the reference coordinate 290). In different embodiments, the variable angle valve plate 208 can slide along the curved slidable surface 214 of the servo piston housing 222 in response to the movement of the control piston 216. For example, by driving the control piston 216 in the piston chamber 220 in the first direction indicated by the upward arrow 282, the variable angle valve plate 208 can slide in a first rotational direction indicated by an arrow 285 (e.g., counterclockwise); by driving the control piston 216 in the piston chamber 220 in the second direction indicated by the downward arrow 284, the variable angle valve plate 208 can slide in a second rotational direction indicated by an arrow 286 (e.g., clockwise).

[0028] As the control piston 216 moves, the valve plate 208 can slide in a series of positions corresponding to different tilt angles 280. For example, the control piston 216 can be pushed to the first end 225 of the piston chamber 220. When the control piston 216 is pushed to the first end 225 of the piston chamber 220, the variable angle valve plate 208 can slide to a position that minimizes the displacement of the chamber 217, at which the tilt angle 280 is zero, and the piston 206 is aligned with the drive shaft 204. The control piston 216 can be driven to the second end 227 of the piston chamber 220, opposite the first end 225. When the control piston 216 is pushed to the second end 227 of the piston chamber 220, the variable angle valve plate 208 can slide to a position that maximizes the displacement of the chamber 217, at which the tilt angle 280 is maximum, and the piston 206 is at a certain angle to the drive shaft 204.

[0029] As the tilt angle 280 changes, the amount of hydraulic oil received or extracted from the chamber of the piston 206 is more or less. If the amount of hydraulic oil received from the chamber of the piston 206 is larger, the output speed of the drive shaft 204 may increase, and if the amount of hydraulic oil received from the chamber of the piston 206 is smaller, the output speed of the drive shaft 204 may decrease. Therefore, the output speed of the BAU 200 changes with the angle of the variable angle valve plate 208 and is controlled by it.

[0030] In one example, the BAU 200 may include additional components, such as a displacement feedback spring mounted on a guide rod that provides a force that counteracts the force generated by the hydraulic fluid on the control piston 216 to control the position of the servo piston 216; one or more ports and corresponding conduits through which hydraulic fluid flows into and out of the control piston chamber 220; a hydraulic spool for controlling the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the servo piston chamber 220; and a dedicated regulator (such as a solenoid valve) for controlling the set point force on the hydraulic spool. The guide rod and displacement feedback spring, regulator, and / or other components included in the alternative electro-hydraulic system may occupy space adjacent to the servo piston chamber 220, such as Figure 2 The space shown by the dotted line in the rectangular frame 240.

[0031] Now watch Figure 3A , which shows an embodiment 300 of a valve plate 310. The valve plate 310 may be Figure 2 The embodiment 300 may show a first side 302 of a valve plate 310 that may be coupled to one or more pistons (eg, Figure 2 That is, the first side 302 may face the piston 206 in the Figure 2 The cylinder block 203 in the cylinder block 203. The hydraulic fluid may be present between the cylinder block 203 and the first side 302, wherein the spacing between the first side 302 of the valve plate 310 and the cylinder block 203 may be determined based on the pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The valve plate 310 may include a plurality of openings, including a central opening 320 extending through the entire thickness of the valve plate 310 in the X direction, a first external opening 321, and a second external opening 325. The first external opening 321 may include a first pair of openings, including a first opening 322 and a second opening 324. The second external opening 325 may include a second pair of openings, including a third opening 326 and a fourth opening 328.

[0032] The first and second outer openings 321, 325 may surround the central opening 320. At least one piston of the motor cylinder block may interact and / or engage with the central opening 320, the first outer opening 321 and / or the second outer opening 325. The first partition plate 332 may be disposed between the first opening 322 and the second opening 324. The first partition plate 332 may include an hour glass shape such that the surface of the first partition plate 332 matches the arc of the first opening 322 and the second opening 324. In other words, the first partition plate 332 shapes the inner surface of the first opening 322 and the second opening 324. The height of the first partition plate may be less than the height of the first outer opening 321, so that the first partition plate 332 is recessed relative to the edge of the first outer opening 321.

[0033] The second partition plate 334 may be disposed between the third opening 326 and the fourth opening 328 in the second outer opening 325. The second partition plate 334 may be the same size and shape as the first partition plate 332, and may be symmetrically disposed opposite to the first partition plate 332. The second partition plate 334 may include an hour glass shape, such that the surface of the second partition plate 334 matches the arc shape of the third opening 326 and the fourth opening 328. The height of the second partition plate 334 may be less than the height of the second outer opening 325, such that the second partition plate 334 is recessed relative to the edge of the second outer opening 325.

[0034] Each of the first to fourth openings includes an adjacent groove. More specifically, the first groove 342 may be adjacent to the first opening 322, the second groove 344 may be adjacent to the second opening 324, the third groove 346 may be adjacent to the third opening 326, and the fourth groove 348 may be adjacent to the fourth opening 328. The size and shape of these grooves may be the same as each other. Each groove may extend from the edge of the corresponding opening along the tangent normal direction. The groove may be semi-conical. In addition, the groove may also include a hemispherical, semi-pyramidal or other shapes.

[0035] In one example, the central opening 320 can be circular. The first, second, third, and fourth openings of the first and second outer openings 321, 325 can be circular and interact with the piston of the BAU. The first and second outer openings 321, 325 can be oblong, where the corresponding dividers can shape the first to fourth openings into a circular or nearly circular shape (e.g., an oblong). By being oblong, the angle of the valve plate 310 can be changed while still allowing the first to fourth openings to interact with the piston.

[0036] The dotted lines intersect the tips of the four grooves 342, 344, 346 and 348, thereby determining the corresponding fluid distribution arcs of the first and second outer openings. The fluid distribution arcs are also referred to herein as distribution arcs, representing areas where the fluid may contact the valve plate. More specifically, the first distribution circuit can correspond to a first distribution arc 381 adjacent to the first opening 322 and the second opening 324. The second distribution circuit can correspond to a second distribution arc 382 adjacent to the third opening 326 and the fourth opening 328. The first distribution arc 381 can be the same as the second distribution arc 382 in arc length. In one example, the first distribution circuit can provide fluid at a first pressure, and the second distribution circuit can provide fluid at a second pressure, which is different from the first pressure.

[0037] The first distribution circuit may further include a first groove 352 and a second groove 354. The first groove 352 may be arranged between the outer edge of the valve plate 310 and the first external opening 321. The second groove 354 may be arranged between the first external opening 321 and the central opening 320. The lengths of the first groove 352 and the second groove 354 may be shorter than the first distribution arc 381. That is, the length of the first distribution arc 381 at a position corresponding to the first groove 352 is longer than the length of the first groove 352. The first groove 352 may include a port 353, and the second groove 354 may include a port 355. The port 353 may be configured to allow fluid to flow into the first groove 352 and / or to be discharged from the first groove 352. The port 355 may be configured to allow fluid to flow into the second groove 354 and / or to be discharged from the second groove 354.

[0038] In one example, the length of the first groove 352 may be greater than the length of the second groove 354. The ratio of the length of the first groove 352 to the corresponding first distribution arc length may be equal to the ratio of the length of the second groove 354 to the corresponding first distribution arc length. In addition, different ratios may also be used.

[0039] The second distribution circuit may further include a third groove 356 and a fourth groove 358. The third groove 356 may be arranged between the outer edge of the valve plate 310 and the second pair of openings. The fourth groove 358 may be arranged between the second pair of openings and the central opening 320. Each of the third groove 356 and the fourth groove 358 may be shorter than the corresponding arc length of the second distribution arc 382. That is, the length of the second distribution arc 382 at a position corresponding to the third groove 356 is longer than the length of the third groove 356. The third groove 356 may include a port 357, and the fourth groove 358 may include a port 359. The port 357 may be configured to allow fluid to flow into the third groove 356 and / or to discharge fluid from the third groove 356. The port 359 may be configured to allow fluid to flow to the fourth groove 358 and / or to discharge fluid from the fourth groove 358.

[0040] In one example, the length of the third groove 356 may be greater than the length of the fourth groove 358. The ratio of the length of the third groove 356 to the corresponding second distribution arc length may be equal to the ratio of the length of the fourth groove 358 to the corresponding second distribution arc length. In addition, different ratios may also be used.

[0041] The size and shape of the first groove 352 and the third groove 356 can be substantially the same. The size and shape of the second groove 354 and the fourth groove 358 can be substantially the same. In one example, the valve plate 310 is symmetrical. Each groove can include an arc with a circle as a radius. In addition, the groove can also include an arc with an oblong as a radius.

[0042] The first groove 352, the second groove 354, the third groove 356 and the fourth groove 358 can be semicircular. The cross-sectional shape of the first groove 352, the second groove 354, the third groove 356 and the fourth groove 358 can be semicircular. The surface of the groove can be curved instead of linear. Therefore, the groove wall can be curved.

[0043] The plurality of grooves including the first groove 352, the second groove 354, the third groove 356 and the fourth groove 358 can improve the unbalance tolerance of the motor valve plate 310. The size and shape of the grooves can expand the unbalance tolerance while guiding the fluid only according to their shape to achieve automatic balancing. The flow rate of the fluid may change with changes in fluid pressure, motor speed and environmental conditions (e.g., vibration caused by unevenness, temperature, etc.).

[0044] Now watch Figure 3B , which shows the second side 304 of the valve plate 310. Figure 4 As shown, the second side 304 can be opposite the first side 302 and face the port cover 400 of the servo piston housing 222. The central opening 320 extends through the entire body of the valve plate 310, so that the central opening 320 exists on the second side 304. The second side 304 can include a first groove 362 and a second groove 364. The first groove 362 can be fluidly connected to the first opening 322 and the second opening 324. The second groove 364 can be fluidly connected to the third opening 326 and the fourth opening 328.

[0045] The first groove 362 and the second groove 364 may be cutouts on the second side 304. The second side 304 may be convex and domed toward the control piston 216. Thus, the passageway of the drive valve plate 310 may be curved to match the curvature of the second side 304.

[0046] The second side 304 can further include a first notch 372 and a second notch 376. The first notch 372 can be adjacent to the first slot 362. In one example, the first opening 372 is located between the outer edge of the valve plate 310 and the first slot 362. The first notch 372 can be located toward an end of the first slot 362 adjacent to the first opening 322. In one example, the first opening 372 extends from the first partition plate 332, through the entire first opening 322, and toward one end of the first slot 362. In one example, the first notch 372 and the second notch 376 can be a second plurality of grooves, wherein the grooves on the first side of the valve plate are the first plurality of grooves.

[0047] The first opening 372 may include a port 374. The port 374 may be arranged on a surface of the first opening 372 near the first partition plate 332 so that the port 374 is inclined relative to the x-axis. Figure 3AThe first opening 372 is fluidically coupled to the port 353 of the first groove 352. Therefore, the fluid in the first opening 372 can flow to the first groove 352, and vice versa.

[0048] The second opening 376 is located between the outer edge of the valve plate 310 and the second groove 364. The second cutout can be located toward an end of the second groove 364 adjacent to the third opening 326. In one example, the second opening 376 extends from the second partition plate 334, through the entire third opening 326, and toward one end of the second groove 364.

[0049] The second opening 376 may include a port 378. The port 378 may be arranged on a surface of the second opening 376 near the second partition plate 334 so that the port 378 is inclined relative to the x-axis. Figure 3A The second opening 376 is fluidically coupled to the port 357 of the third groove 356. Therefore, the fluid in the second opening 376 can flow to the third groove 356, and vice versa.

[0050] In one example, the size and shape of the first cutout 372 can be the same as the second cutout 376. The shapes of the first cutout 372 and the second cutout 376 can match a circle or a portion of another circle. In one embodiment, the first cutout 372 and the second cutout 376 include a semicircle on a second plane intersecting the normal of the first plane, and the groove on the first plane is arranged on the first side. The cross-sectional shape of the first cutout 372 and the second cutout 376 can be U-shaped or square.

[0051] Thus, the second side 304 includes a second plurality of grooves and / or cutouts, including a first cutout 372 and a second cutout 376. The first cutout 372 and the second cutout 376 can receive fluid and / or direct fluid to the first groove 352 and the third groove 356, respectively. Port 353 can be fluidly connected to port 374. Port 357 can be fluidly connected to port 378. Balancing the valve plate 310 via the grooves will be described in more detail below.

[0052] Now watch Figure 4 , which shows a port cover 400 of a servo piston housing. In one example, the port cover 400 may be included in Figure 2 The port cover 400 may include a plurality of openings 402. The plurality of openings 402 may include openings for conducting various fluids (such as lubricating oil and hydraulic fluid), and openings for receiving fasteners.

[0053] The plurality of openings 402 can surround a recess 410 of the port cover 400. In one example, the recess 410 can be shaped to receive the valve plate 310. More specifically, the second side 350 of the valve plate 310 can interface with a surface 412 of the recess 410. In one example, the surface 412 is curved to match the curvature of the second side 350 of the valve plate 310.

[0054] The central opening 420 may be located at a central position of the recess 410. The central opening 420 may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the valve plate 310 to and / or from the interior of the port cover 400 to and / or from the interior of the port cover 400 to the valve plate 310. The first side opening 422 and the second side opening 424 may be disposed on opposite sides of the central opening. The first and second side openings may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the valve plate 310 to and / or from the interior of the port cover 400.

[0055] The recess 410 also includes a housing opening 426. The housing opening 426 can be closer to the first side opening 422 than the second side opening 424. More specifically, the housing opening 426 is closer to the first side opening 422 than the central opening 420, and closer to the central opening than the second side opening 424. In one example, the housing opening 426 is offset toward the first extreme end 404 of the port cover 400, which is opposite to the second extreme end 406 of the port cover 400.

[0056] The housing opening 426 may include a port 428. The port 428 may be configured to allow fluid to flow to and / or away from the housing opening 426. In one example, the port 428 of the housing opening 426 may be coupled to the valve plate 310 at certain locations. Figure 3B 428 can be aligned with port 374 or port 378 in the housing opening 426. Port 428 can be arranged in the middle of the housing opening 426. In one example, port 428 is arranged at one end of the housing opening 426 near the first extreme end 404. The port cover 400 can further include port 432 and port 434. Each port of the valve plate 310 and the port cover 400 can be in fluid communication, so that fluid can flow from the port cover 400 to the valve plate 310, and vice versa. In addition, the grooves, openings and ports can allow fluid to flow from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure, thereby automatically balancing the pressure of the valve plate 310 relative to the port cover 400 and the cylinder body 203.

[0057] Now watch Figure 5A , 5B5C, which respectively show a first position 500, a second position 525, and a third position 550 of the valve plate 310 in the port cover 400. In the first position 500, the valve plate 310 is located at the endmost end of the groove 410, closest to the second endmost end 406 of the port cover 400. In one example, when the fluid pressure is greater than or equal to the upper threshold pressure, the valve plate 310 is driven to the first position 500. In the second position 525, the valve plate 310 is located in the middle of the groove 410, approximately equal to the first extreme end 404 and the second extreme end 406 of the port cover 400. In one example, when the fluid pressure is less than the upper threshold pressure and greater than the lower threshold pressure, the valve plate 310 is driven to the second position 525. In the third position 550, the valve plate 310 is located at the endmost end of the groove 410 closest to the first extreme end 404 of the port cover 400. In one example, the valve plate 310 is driven to the third position 550 because the fluid pressure is less than the lower threshold pressure.

[0058] In one example, the grooves and cutouts of the valve plate 310 and the grooves 410 can provide automatic variable balancing, thereby improving mechanical and volumetric efficiency. In one example, the grooves and cutouts can increase the area of ​​the valve plate 310 exposed to higher pressures compared to the prior art examples shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C. In one example, the pressure distribution in the prior art example results in higher pressures in the area near the first and second pairs of openings and lower pressures in the area outside the pair of openings. Figure 5A , 5B In the example of 5C, the high pressure region is expanded to extend from the first and second pairs of openings to the groove on the first side of the valve plate. In addition, Figures 5A-5C The high pressure region in the example can also be confined within a boundary near a pair of openings, as shown by boundary line 590. In the example of the prior art, the fluid pressure application can be confined to a specific area. Figures 5A-5C The example is further away from the boundary of a pair of openings, defined by boundary line 690. By doing so, the valve plate 310 can provide automatic variable balance. Automatic balancing can include situations where the fluid is not actively controlled by a signal, pressure or other communication with a mechanical drive device. The fluid can freely flow in a balanced direction according to different pressure differences, and the grooves, cutouts and corresponding ports can allow the fluid to correct the imbalance that would otherwise exist in the prior art examples.

[0059] In one example, the valve plate includes a first side that contacts the cylinder body and a second side that contacts the servo piston housing port cover. When the pressure on the first side of the valve plate increases, the force may increase the gap between the valve plate and the cylinder body, which may cause hydraulic fluid (such as oil) to leak between the two components, thereby reducing the volumetric efficiency. If the pressure on the second side of the valve plate increases, the force may reduce the gap between the valve plate and the cylinder body, so the friction between the two components may increase and the mechanical efficiency may decrease. The grooves and cuts on the valve plate can improve the above-mentioned efficiency reduction. For example, if the pressure on the first side is higher, the hydraulic fluid can enter the second side through the grooves and cuts, providing a force to the second side to offset the high pressure on the first side, thereby achieving automatic balancing. In this way, the grooves and cuts of the valve plate can cause the hydraulic fluid to flow to the side of the valve plate with lower pressure, thereby achieving automatic balancing.

[0060] The present disclosure provides support for a bent axis piston motor, which includes a valve plate coupled to at least one piston of a cylinder block, the valve plate including a first plurality of grooves spaced around an opening on a first side of the valve plate facing the cylinder block, the valve plate further including a second plurality of grooves arranged on a second side of the valve plate facing away from the cylinder block, and a port cover including a plurality of ports for fluid to flow to the valve plate. A first example of a bent axis piston motor also includes: the first plurality of grooves are arranged in a first plane, and the second plurality of grooves are arranged in a second plane intersecting a normal to the first plane. A second example of a bent axis piston motor that optionally includes the first example further includes: each groove in the first and second plurality of grooves includes a port. A third example of a bent axis piston motor that optionally includes one or more of the foregoing examples further includes: the second plurality of grooves is biased toward one end of the valve plate. A fourth example of a bent axis piston motor that optionally includes one or more of the foregoing examples further includes: the first plurality of grooves includes a first groove, a second groove, a third groove, and a fourth groove, wherein the first groove is the same as the fourth groove, the second groove is the same as the third groove, and wherein the second groove and the third groove are different from the first groove and the fourth groove. A fifth example of a bent axis piston motor that optionally includes one or more of the foregoing examples further includes wherein the second plurality of grooves are fluidly coupled only to the first and fourth grooves. A sixth example of a bent axis piston motor that optionally includes one or more of the foregoing examples further includes wherein the cross-sectional shape of the first plurality of grooves is semicircular. A seventh example of a bent axis piston motor that optionally includes one or more of the foregoing examples further includes wherein the cross-sectional shape of the second plurality of grooves is square.

[0061] The present disclosure provides further support for a system including a variable fluid displacement bent axis piston motor including a cylinder block and a plurality of pistons, the motor further including a valve plate including a central opening between a first pair of openings and a second pair of openings on a first side of the valve plate facing the plurality of pistons, a first groove disposed between the first pair of openings and an outer edge of the valve plate, a second groove disposed between the first pair of openings and the central opening, a third groove disposed between the central opening and the second pair of openings, and a fourth groove disposed between the second pair of openings and an outer edge of the valve plate. A first example of the system further includes that the first, second, third, and fourth grooves include arcuate walls. A second example of the system (optionally including the first example) further includes that the first cutout and the second cutout include linear walls. A third example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that the first groove extends from the first and second openings, and the second groove extends from the third and fourth openings. A fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples, further includes that the first opening is closer to the first opening than the second opening, wherein the second opening is closer to the third opening than the fourth opening. A fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples, further includes: the arc length of the first groove and the second groove is less than the first distribution arc, and the arc length of the third groove and the fourth groove is less than the second distribution arc. A sixth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes: the first distribution arc is the same as the second distribution arc.

[0062] The present disclosure provides additional support for a valve plate for a bent axis motor, the valve plate including a plurality of openings on a first side of the valve plate facing a motor piston, the plurality of openings including a central opening, a first opening, and a second opening, a plurality of grooves on the first side of the valve plate arranged between an outer edge of the valve plate, the plurality of grooves located on the first side of the valve plate, arranged between the outer edge of the valve plate, the central opening, the first opening, and the second opening, the plurality of grooves having a semicircular cross-section, a plurality of cutouts located on a second side of the valve plate opposite the first side, the plurality of cutouts including a first cutout adjacent to the first opening and a second cutout adjacent to the second opening. The first example of the valve plate also includes the plurality of grooves and the plurality of cutouts being semicircular. The second example of the valve plate (optionally including the first example) further includes: the plurality of grooves including two first arc length grooves and two second arc length grooves. The third example of the valve plate (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes: the two first arc length grooves are shorter than the two second arc length grooves. A fourth example of the valve plate (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes: two first arc length grooves arranged between the central opening, the first opening and the second opening, and two second arc length grooves arranged between the first opening, the second opening and the outer edge of the valve plate.

[0063] Although various embodiments are described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely examples and not limitations. It is obvious to those familiar with the relevant technology that the disclosed subject matter can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. Therefore, the above embodiments should be considered in all aspects as exemplary and not restrictive.

[0064] Please note that the control and estimation routine examples contained herein can be used in various powertrain and / or vehicle system configurations. The control methods and routines disclosed herein can be stored as executable instructions in a non-transitory memory and can be executed by a control system including a controller in combination with various sensors, actuators and other transmission and / or vehicle hardware. In addition, some methods may be physical operations taken in the real world to change the state of a device. The specific routines described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, etc. Therefore, the various actions, operations and / or functions illustrated can be performed in the order shown, can be performed in parallel, or omitted in some cases. Similarly, the processing order is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages of the examples described herein, but is only for ease of illustration and description. Depending on the specific strategy used, one or more of the illustrated actions, operations and / or functions can be repeatedly performed. In addition, the described actions, operations and / or functions can graphically represent the code to be programmed into the non-transitory memory of a computer-readable storage medium in a vehicle and / or transmission control system, wherein the described actions are implemented by executing instructions in a system including various hardware components combined with an electronic controller. If necessary, one or more method steps described herein can be omitted.

[0065] It is understood that the configuration and routine disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments are not restrictive, because there may be many variations. As used herein, the elements or steps described in the singular and beginning with "one" or "one" should be understood as not excluding the plural number of the elements or steps, unless explicitly indicated to exclude. In addition, the reference to "one embodiment" of the utility model should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also contain the cited features. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the embodiments of "including", "including" or "having" an element or multiple elements with a specific property may include other elements that do not have the property. The terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the pure language equivalents of the respective terms "including" and "wherein". In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are used only as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or specific positional order on their objects.

[0066] Figure 2-6C shows an example configuration of relative positioning of various elements. If the elements shown in the figure are in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, then at least in one example, these elements can be referred to as direct contact or direct coupling, respectively. Similarly, at least in one example, the elements shown as adjacent or adjacent to each other can be adjacent or adjacent to each other, respectively. For example, elements that are in face-to-face contact with each other can be referred to as face-to-face contact elements. Another example is that, at least in one example, the elements are placed separately from each other, with only space in the middle and no other elements, which can be referred to as being placed separately from each other. For example, relative to each other, the elements displayed above / below each other, relative to both sides of each other, or relative to the left / right side of each other can be referred to as such elements. In addition, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or element point can be referred to as the "top" of the element, and the bottommost element or element point can be referred to as the "bottom" of the element. The top / bottom, upper / lower, upper / lower used in this article can be relative to the vertical axis in the figure to describe the positioning of each element in the figure relative to each other. Therefore, in one example, the element displayed above other elements is vertically positioned above other elements. For another example, the shapes of elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as having such shapes (e.g., circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, chamfered, beveled, or the like). Also, in at least one example, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another. Also, in one example, an element that appears within another element or appears outside another element may be referred to as such element. Figure 2-5C Shown approximately to scale; however, other dimensions may be used if desired.

[0067] This written description uses examples to disclose the utility model, including the best mode, and enables a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to implement the utility model, including making and using any device or system, and performing any incorporated method. The patent scope of the utility model is defined by the claims and may include other examples that can be thought of by a person of ordinary skill in the art. If the structural elements of these other embodiments do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if these other embodiments include equivalent structural elements that do not differ much from the literal language of the claims, then these other embodiments fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A bent axis piston motor, characterized in that: include: a valve plate connected to at least one piston of the cylinder block, the valve plate including a first plurality of grooves spaced around a valve plate opening, the first plurality of grooves being located on a first side of the valve plate facing the cylinder block, the valve plate further comprising a second plurality of grooves located on a second side of the valve plate facing away from the cylinder block; as well as A port cover includes a plurality of ports for directing fluid flow to the valve plate. 2 . The bent axis piston motor of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of grooves are arranged in a first plane and the second plurality of grooves are arranged in a second plane that intersects a normal to the first plane.

3. The bent axis piston motor of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second pluralities of grooves comprises a port.

4. The bent axis piston motor of claim 1 wherein the second plurality of grooves are offset toward one end of the valve plate.

5. The bent axis piston motor according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of grooves includes a first groove, a second groove, a third groove and a fourth groove, the first groove is the same as the fourth groove, the second groove is the same as the third groove, and the second groove and the third groove are different from the first groove and the fourth groove.

6. The bent axis piston motor of claim 5, wherein the second plurality of grooves are fluidly coupled only to the first and fourth grooves.

7. The bent axis piston motor of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of grooves are semicircular in cross-sectional shape.

8. The bent axis piston motor of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of grooves are square in cross-sectional shape.

9. A system, characterized in that: include: A variable fluid displacement bent axis piston motor comprises a cylinder block and a plurality of pistons, the motor further comprising a valve plate having a central opening between a first pair of openings and a second pair of openings on a first side of the valve plate facing the plurality of pistons, the first pair of openings comprising a first opening and a second opening, the second pair of openings comprising a third opening and a fourth opening, a first groove between the first pair of openings and an outer edge of the valve plate, a second groove between the first pair of openings and the central opening, a third groove between the central opening and the second pair of openings, a fourth groove between the second pair of openings and an outer edge of the valve plate, the valve plate further comprising a second side away from the plurality of pistons, the second side comprising a first incision arranged between the first groove and the outer edge of the valve plate, and a second incision arranged between the second groove and the outer edge of the valve plate.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth grooves comprise arcuate walls.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the first cutout and the second cutout comprise linear walls.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the first groove extends from the first and second openings and the second groove extends from the third and fourth openings.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first incision is closer to the first opening than the second opening, and the second incision is closer to the third opening than the fourth opening.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein arc lengths of the first groove and the second groove are smaller than the first distribution arc, and arc lengths of the third groove and the fourth groove are smaller than the second distribution arc.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first distribution arc is identical to the second distribution arc.

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