Recuperative energy cylinder and engineering machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of engineering machinery technology, and discloses a recyclable hydraulic cylinder, engineering machinery, and method. The recycling device includes a generator and a rack. The generator is installed at the head of the hydraulic cylinder. A gear and a ratchet are provided on the generator's rotating shaft. The ratchet is coaxial with the rotor inside the generator and fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The gear is rotatable on the rotating shaft and has a ratchet shank near the ratchet. One end of the rack is installed at the front end of the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The rack and gear cooperate. 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 shank and the ratchet, the generator generates electricity. This utility model realizes the effective recovery of the kinetic energy of the linear motion of the hydraulic cylinder during operation and converts it into electrical energy for storage. This energy can be used when the whole machine needs it, thereby significantly improving energy utilization efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, simplifying system structure, and reducing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of engineering machinery technology, and in particular to a hydraulic cylinder and engineering machinery with recyclable energy. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic cylinders, as core actuators for achieving linear reciprocating motion, are widely used in many engineering machinery products, such as hydraulic excavators, loaders, and mining dump trucks. However, traditional hydraulic cylinders suffer from significant energy waste during operation, a deficiency that severely restricts the energy efficiency and sustainable development of engineering machinery products. Taking excavators as an example, during the boom descent, the gravitational potential energy of the working device itself is converted into the pressure energy of the hydraulic oil, and this energy is usually dissipated directly as heat through the relief valve. Statistics show that under the above operating conditions, energy loss in 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 results in enormous energy consumption.

[0003] To address the energy recovery problem, some solutions have been proposed in existing technologies. For example, one method involves using accumulators to recover energy. This works by storing excess hydraulic oil in an accumulator when the hydraulic system pressure is too high, releasing it when needed. However, this method has significant drawbacks: firstly, the accumulator's response speed to changes in hydraulic oil pressure and flow is limited, resulting in low energy recovery efficiency; secondly, integrating the accumulator with the hydraulic cylinder requires additional complex oil circuits, control valve groups, and pressure regulating devices, increasing system complexity and cost, and making it prone to leaks and other malfunctions, thus reducing system stability.

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

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a recyclable hydraulic cylinder and engineering machinery that can effectively recover the kinetic energy of the cylinder's linear motion during operation and convert it into electrical energy for storage. This energy can then be utilized when needed by the machine, thereby significantly improving energy efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, simplifying system structure, and lowering costs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a hydraulic cylinder capable of recovering energy includes:

[0008] The recovery device includes a generator and a rack. The generator is installed at the head of the cylinder. The generator shaft is equipped with a gear and a ratchet. The ratchet is coaxial with the rotor inside the generator and fixedly connected to the shaft. The gear can rotate on the shaft and has a shank near the ratchet. One end of the rack is installed at the front end of the cylinder rod of the cylinder. The rack and gear cooperate. When the cylinder rod retracts, it drives the rack to retract, and the rack drives the gear to rotate. Through the cooperation of the shank and the ratchet, the generator generates electricity.

[0009] The rectifier unit connects the energy storage unit and the generator. The generator generates electricity, which is then converted into electrical energy and stored in the energy storage unit.

[0010] As a further implementation, the cylinder head is installed at the front end of the cylinder, and the cylinder head is used to mount the generator via a generator mounting bracket.

[0011] As a further implementation, the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a connecting pin at its front end, and the front end of the rack is rotatably mounted on the connecting pin, with the length direction of the rack parallel to the axis of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0012] As a further implementation, the cylinder head is provided with a rack pressure plate, which is located on the side of the rack away from the generator mounting bracket; a roller is provided below the rack pressure plate, and the roller engages with the back of the rack.

[0013] As a further implementation, the generator is a generator with a flywheel, including a generator body and a flywheel on the shaft of the generator body, and the ratchet is located between the flywheel and the gear, with the ratchet positioned close to the gear.

[0014] As a further implementation, at least two ratchet shanks are provided and are evenly arranged around the ratchet wheel. The gears are connected to the ratchet shanks through a fixed shaft and a torsion spring so that the ratchet shanks are pressed against the ratchet wheel. When the rack retracts, the ratchet shanks push the ratchet wheel to rotate.

[0015] As a further implementation, the rectifier component includes a rectifier and a regulator, the energy storage unit is a battery, and the generator, rectifier, regulator and battery are connected in sequence by wiring.

[0016] As a further implementation, the battery is also connected to electrical components via a circuit with a switch.

[0017] Secondly, an engineering machine equipped with a hydraulic cylinder capable of recovering energy as described above.

[0018] As a further implementation method, the construction machinery is an excavator or a loader.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] 1. This utility model features a recovery device at the cylinder head. When the cylinder rod retracts, it drives the rack and pinion gear, which in turn drives the ratchet to rotate the internal rotor of the generator to generate electricity. The generator's electricity is converted into electrical energy by a rectifier and stored in the energy storage unit. This effectively recovers the kinetic energy of the cylinder's linear motion during operation and converts it into electrical energy for storage. This energy is then utilized when needed by the machine, significantly improving energy efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, simplifying the system structure, and lowering costs.

[0021] 2. This utility model effectively converts the kinetic energy of linear motion into electrical energy for recovery using a simple transmission system, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic circuits, valve groups, and energy storage devices. The presence of the ratchet mechanism and flywheel ensures high energy recovery efficiency, simplifies the control logic, and guarantees that energy is not consumed during cylinder extension but is only recovered when the cylinder stroke decreases. The electrical energy is stored in a battery and can be reused according to system needs, thereby significantly improving energy utilization efficiency, reducing equipment operating energy consumption, and lowering operating costs.

[0022] 3. This utility model uses a rack pressure plate and rollers to restrict the rack, ensuring that the rack can extend and retract along the axis of the hydraulic cylinder. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of this utility model. The illustrative embodiments of this utility model and their descriptions are used to explain this utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the energy-recoverable cylinder in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the recycling device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the power generation device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gear train structure in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flywheel generator in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] The components are as follows: 1. Hydraulic cylinder; 101. Hydraulic cylinder head; 2. Wiring; 3. Rectifier; 4. Regulator; 5. Battery; 6. Switch; 7. Recycling device; 8. Connecting pin; 9. Generator mounting bracket; 10. Generator unit; 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 Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] As mentioned in the background section, existing hydraulic cylinder energy recovery technologies generally suffer from problems such as low recovery efficiency, complex structure, high cost, and poor compatibility. There is an urgent need to develop a recyclable energy cylinder that is simple in structure, highly efficient and energy-saving, and easy to integrate, in order to meet the urgent needs of industrial production for energy conservation, emission reduction, and efficient operation.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] In a typical embodiment of this utility model, refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, a recyclable cylinder includes a rectifier and a recovery device 7 mounted on the cylinder 1. The recovery device 7 generates electricity when driven by the cylinder rod in a retracted state. The rectifier is connected to an energy storage unit and a generator. The generator generates electricity, which is converted into electrical energy by the rectifier and stored in the energy storage unit.

[0035] This embodiment effectively converts the kinetic energy of linear motion into electrical energy for recovery using a simple transmission system, without requiring complex hydraulic circuits, valve groups, or energy storage devices.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the hydraulic cylinder 1 is a prior art device. Its end is equipped with a hinged seat for hinged connection to a corresponding position on the engineering machinery. The cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder 1 has a bracket at its front end, and a connecting pin 8 is mounted on the bracket. The bracket is hinged to the corresponding structure of the engineering machinery via the connecting pin 8. The front end of the hydraulic cylinder has a cylinder head 101, which is an annular cylindrical structure fixed to the front end of the cylinder body. The straight line of the cylinder rod is collinear with the axis of the cylinder head 101.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the recovery device 7 includes a generator and a rack 11, wherein the generator is installed at the cylinder head 101. Specifically, the cylinder head 101 is provided with a generator mounting bracket 9, and a generator 10 is installed through the generator mounting bracket 9. The generator 10 is a generator, specifically a generator 16 with a flywheel.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the flywheel generator 16 includes a generator body 22 and a flywheel 21 on the shaft of the generator body 22.

[0039] Furthermore, the generator body 22 is also provided with a gear train 15 on its shaft for driving the generator body 22 to generate electricity. The gear train 15 includes a ratchet, a gear 18, and a ratchet 19.

[0040] Gear 18 and ratchet 19 are mounted on the rotating shaft of generator body 22. Ratchet 19 is coaxial with the flywheel and the rotor inside generator body 22 and is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. Ratchet 19, flywheel 21, and rotor can rotate synchronously. Gear 18 can rotate freely on the rotating shaft and is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

[0041] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the gear train 15 is located on the side of the generator 10 near the cylinder head 101, and the ratchet 19 is located between the flywheel 21 and the gear 18. The gear 18 is located between the ratchet 19 and the cylinder head 101. The ratchet 19 is located on the side of the gear 18 away from the cylinder head 101.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, gear 18 has a shank on the side near ratchet 19, and at least two shanks are provided, evenly arranged around ratchet 19. In this embodiment, the shanks include a first shank 17 and a second shank 20, which are located symmetrically around ratchet 19. Specifically, a fixed shaft is provided on the side of gear 18, and gear 18 is connected to the shanks via the fixed shaft and a torsion spring so that the shanks are pressed against ratchet 19.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, when gear 18 rotates counterclockwise, the first ratchet 17 and the second ratchet 20 mounted on gear 18 slide past ratchet 19 and do not transmit power to ratchet 19. When gear 18 rotates clockwise under the drive of rack 11, the first ratchet 17 and the second ratchet 20 mounted on gear 18 insert into the tooth groove of ratchet 19 and drive ratchet 19 to rotate together.

[0044] The rotation of ratchet 19 enables the flywheel 21, the shaft, and the rotor inside the generator body 22 to rotate synchronously, thereby generating electricity.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, one end of the rack 11 is provided with a through hole 111. The end of the rack 11 with the through hole 111 is installed at the front end of the cylinder rod of the oil cylinder 1. Specifically, the front end of the rack 11 with the through hole 111 is rotatably connected to the connecting pin 8. The length direction of the rack 11 is parallel to the axis of the oil cylinder 1.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown. The rack 11 is located on the outside of the bracket. When the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder 1 extends, it can drive the rack 11 to extend via the connecting pin 8. When the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder 1 retracts, it can simultaneously drive the rack 11 to retract.

[0047] The rack 11 is located on one side of the gear 18 and meshes with the gear 18. For example... Figure 2 As shown. To ensure that the rack 11 can move linearly along the axis of the cylinder 1, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, a set of rack and pinion plates 12 are fixed above the cylinder head 101, and there is a set distance between the rack and pinion plates 12 and the cylinder head 101. The bottom surface of the rack and pinion plates 12 is slidably engaged with the rack 11 on the side near the rack. The bottom surface of the rack and pinion plates 12 is also provided with a first roller 13 and a second roller 14, which engage with the back of the rack.

[0048] The rack pressure plate 12 restricts the rack 11 from moving outward, ensuring that the rack 11 and gear 18 are always meshed. The roller and gear 18 restrict the rack from extending and retracting along its own axis.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the back of the rack 11, i.e. the side of the rack away from the tooth surface, is provided with a groove, and the roller cooperates with the groove so that the rack can move better along the same straight line direction.

[0050] It is understandable that the rack pressure plate 12 can be fixed to the cylinder head 101 by a structure such as a fixing plate, or by two sets of threaded rods with a smooth rod in the middle and rollers installed through a bearing structure. The goal is simply to achieve the function of restricting the rack using the rack pressure plate 12 and the rollers.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the rectifier includes a rectifier 3 and a regulator 4. The energy storage unit is a battery 5. The generator body 22, rectifier 3, regulator 4, and battery 5 are connected sequentially via line 2. Battery 5 is also connected to electrical components via a line with a switch 6, so that the electrical energy stored in battery 5 can supply power to other electrical components. In a preferred example, the generator also needs to be grounded via a grounding wire.

[0052] The entire system works in concert with the generator, rectifier 3, regulator 4 and battery 5 to ensure that the generator is converted into electrical energy by the rectifier and stored in the battery 5.

[0053] Among them, rectifier 3 is the existing structure. When the alternating current enters the rectifier 3 from the generator, the unidirectional conductivity of the diode will allow the current to flow in only 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.

[0054] The voltage of the pulsating direct current will still fluctuate to some extent, while battery 5 requires a stable operating voltage to charge safely and effectively. After being regulated by regulator 4, the pulsating direct current becomes stable, and the stable direct current processed by rectifier 3 and regulator 4 is then delivered to battery 5.

[0055] It is understandable that when the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder 1 is retracted to its shortest position, due to the rotational inertia of the flywheel 21, it still stores a portion of 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 completely released or the next working cycle begins. At the same time, the presence of the ratchet mechanism ensures that the rotation of the flywheel 21 will not drive the gear 20 in the opposite direction.

[0056] The working method of a hydraulic cylinder capable of recovering energy includes the following steps:

[0057] When the cylinder rod of cylinder 1 extends, the rack 11 extends and drives the gear 18 to rotate counterclockwise. However, the ratchet on the gear 18 can slide past the ratchet 19, so the ratchet 19 does not rotate and the generator does not generate electricity.

[0058] When the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder 1 retracts, it drives the rack 11 to retract, and the rack 11 drives the gear 18 to rotate clockwise. Through the cooperation of the ratchet and the ratchet wheel 19, the ratchet wheel 19 and the internal rotor of the generator rotate synchronously, so that the generator generates electricity. The generated electricity is converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery 5 through the rectifier 3 and the regulator 4.

[0059] In this embodiment, the recyclable hydraulic cylinder converts the kinetic energy of its linear motion into rotational kinetic energy through the gear train 15. Part of this rotational kinetic energy is stored in the flywheel 21, and part directly drives the generator to generate electricity, which is then converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery. The rotational kinetic energy of the flywheel 21 can continue to be released after a single stroke, driving the generator to generate electricity.

[0060] This embodiment effectively converts the kinetic energy of linear motion into electrical energy for recovery using a simple transmission system, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic circuits, valve groups, and energy storage devices. The presence of the ratchet mechanism and flywheel 21 ensures high energy recovery efficiency, simplifies the control logic, and guarantees that the cylinder extension does not consume energy, recovering energy only when the cylinder stroke decreases. 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 lowering operating costs.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] In a typical embodiment of this utility model, refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, an engineering machine is provided with a hydraulic cylinder with recoverable energy as described in Embodiment 1. The hydraulic cylinder with recoverable energy is suitable for various engineering machines that use hydraulic cylinders, such as excavators, loaders, and mining dump trucks. It has advantages and practical value in terms of cost, performance, and adaptability.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hydraulic 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 cylinder. The generator shaft is equipped with a gear and a ratchet. The ratchet is coaxial with the rotor inside the generator and fixedly connected to the shaft. The gear can rotate on the shaft and has a shank near the ratchet. One end of the rack is installed at the front end of the cylinder rod of the cylinder. The rack and gear cooperate. When the cylinder rod retracts, it drives the rack to retract, and the rack drives the gear to rotate. Through the cooperation of the shank and the ratchet, the generator generates electricity. The rectifier unit connects the energy storage unit and the generator. The generator generates electricity, which is then converted into electrical energy and stored in the energy storage unit.

2. The recyclable energy cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder head is installed at the front end of the cylinder, and the generator is mounted on the cylinder head via a generator mounting bracket.

3. The recyclable energy cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a connecting pin at its front end, and the front end of the rack is rotatably mounted on the connecting pin, with the length direction of the rack parallel to the axis of the hydraulic cylinder.

4. The recyclable energy cylinder according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cylinder head is provided with a rack pressure plate, which is located on the side of the rack away from the generator mounting bracket; a roller is provided below the rack pressure plate, and the roller engages with the back of the rack.

5. A recyclable energy cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The generator is a flywheel generator, including a generator body and a flywheel on the rotating shaft of the generator body. The ratchet is located between the flywheel and the gear, and the ratchet is located close to the gear.

6. A hydraulic cylinder capable of recovering energy according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ratchet shank is provided in at least two parts and is evenly arranged around the ratchet wheel. The gear is connected to the ratchet shank through a fixed shaft and a torsion spring so that the ratchet shank is pressed against the ratchet wheel. When the rack is retracted, the ratchet shank pushes the ratchet wheel to rotate.

7. A recyclable energy cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rectifier component includes a rectifier and a regulator, and the energy storage unit uses a battery. The generator, rectifier, regulator and battery are connected in sequence by wiring.

8. A hydraulic 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 machinery, characterized in that, The engineering machinery is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder that can recover energy as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An engineering machinery according to claim 9, characterized in that, Construction machinery refers to excavators or loaders.

Images