A power-actuated energy harvesting system

Abstract

The utility model relates to drive energy collection system technical field especially, it is a kind of power-driven energy collection system, including oil tank and the steering module being communicated with oil tank, the steering module is respectively communicated with left steering oil cylinder and right steering oil cylinder, further include energy recovery module, the energy recovery module is used to when left steering oil cylinder and right steering oil cylinder are pressure accumulation, or instantaneous pressure accumulation, long time pressure accumulation, realize energy recovery, and when energy recovery is completed or greater than system recovery pressure, realize recovery unloading, when using, by setting energy recovery module, the comparison shuttle valve of energy recovery module provides certain back pressure for left steering oil cylinder and right steering oil cylinder respectively, i.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drive energy harvesting system technology, and in particular to a powerable drive energy harvesting system. Background Technology

[0002] When heavy vehicles perform extreme cornering or tight turns, their hydraulic steering systems typically generate working pressures far exceeding actual requirements, causing a significant amount of hydraulic energy to dissipate as heat through the relief valve. This process not only results in significant energy loss but also reduces the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle. Currently, research and applications for this type of energy recovery mainly focus on converting overflow hydraulic energy into electrical energy and storing it in a battery. However, this conversion path involves multiple energy transformations—from hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, and then to electrical energy—each stage accompanied by energy loss, thus limiting the overall recovery efficiency. Furthermore, the additional power generation devices and electronic control systems required to achieve energy conversion increase system complexity and manufacturing costs.

[0003] In existing common hydraulic steering systems, the lack of a dedicated energy recovery mechanism results in the direct discharge of usable hydraulic energy, constituting a long-neglected energy waste. Compared to electrical energy recovery pathways, directly recovering and reusing hydraulic energy has potential advantages such as shorter energy transmission chains, higher efficiency, and higher structural integration. However, current technical solutions for direct hydraulic energy recovery are still rare, and related systematic research is also lacking.

[0004] This patent addresses the aforementioned issues by proposing a power-driven energy harvesting system designed to efficiently capture hydraulic energy overflowing during steering and directly reuse it within the hydraulic system or other auxiliary hydraulic units. This improves the overall energy utilization efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles, reduces dependence on external power sources, and minimizes the additional costs associated with installing complex energy recovery systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is that in existing common hydraulic steering systems, the lack of a dedicated energy recovery mechanism leads to the direct discharge of usable hydraulic energy, constituting a long-neglected energy waste. Compared to electrical energy recovery paths, directly recovering and reusing hydraulic energy has potential advantages such as shorter energy transmission chains, higher efficiency, and higher structural integration. However, current technical solutions for direct hydraulic energy recovery are limited, and related systematic research is also lacking. This invention provides a power-driven energy harvesting system.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a power-driven energy harvesting system, including an oil tank and a steering module connected to the oil tank. The steering module is connected to the left steering cylinder and the right steering cylinder respectively. It also includes an energy recovery module. The energy recovery module is used to recover energy when the left steering cylinder and the right steering cylinder are under pressure, or under pressure for a short time or for a long time. When the energy recovery is completed or exceeds the system recovery pressure, the recovery unloading is realized. The energy recovery module includes a comparator shuttle valve, a safety valve, a pressure overload reversing valve, a first accumulator, and a second accumulator. The S1 and S2 ports of the comparator shuttle valve are set with back pressure opening pressures. The set pressure of the safety valve is greater than the set pressures of the first and second accumulators. The S1 port of the comparator shuttle valve is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder, and the S2 port of the comparator shuttle valve is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder. The T10 and T11 ports of the comparator shuttle valve are connected... The T11 port is connected to the P14 port of the pressure overload directional valve and the T12 port of the safety valve. The A4 port of the pressure overload directional valve is connected to the first accumulator, and the A5 port of the pressure overload directional valve is connected to the second accumulator. The A4 port of the pressure overload directional valve is connected to the left pilot port K10 of the pressure overload directional valve, and the A5 port of the pressure overload directional valve is connected to the right pilot port K11 of the pressure overload directional valve. The T3 port of the safety valve is connected to the oil tank. Compared with the prior art, this solution sets up an energy recovery module. The comparison shuttle valve of the energy recovery module provides a certain back pressure to the left steering cylinder and the right steering cylinder, which can ensure the normal operation of the left steering cylinder and the right steering cylinder, and can also perform energy recovery by the energy recovery module. At the same time, the safety valve can unload the recovery when the recovery is completed or exceeds the system recovery pressure, thus playing a safety protection role for the energy recovery module.

[0007] To achieve gradient energy recovery, in some preferred embodiments, a pressure difference exists between the first and second energy accumulators. By maintaining a pressure difference between the first and second energy accumulators, differential charging is achieved, energy is recovered in stages, and energy recovery is maximized.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments, the pressure of the first accumulator is lower than the pressure of the second accumulator.

[0009] To implement the steering module, in some preferred embodiments, the steering module includes a power unit, a fixed displacement pump, a steering valve, and a steering motor. The power unit is drivenly connected to the power input end of the fixed displacement pump. The input end of the fixed displacement pump is connected to the oil tank. The output end of the fixed displacement pump is connected to port A of the steering valve. Port B of the steering valve is connected to the oil tank. Port LS1 of the steering valve is connected to the rod chambers of the right and left steering cylinders, respectively. Port LS2 of the steering valve is connected to the rod chambers of the left and right steering cylinders, respectively. Ports P1 and P2 of the steering valve are connected to the forward and reverse input ends of the steering motor, respectively. The output end of the steering motor is connected to the right end of the steering valve. The left end of the steering valve is drivenly connected to the steering wheel. An overload protection module is provided between the steering valve, the left steering cylinder, and the right steering cylinder to relieve steering load when pressure is overloaded during steering.

[0010] To implement the overload protection module, in some preferred embodiments, the overload protection module includes a first overload valve and a second overload valve. The input end of the first overload valve is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder, and the input end of the second overload valve is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder. The output ends of both the first and second overload valves are connected to the oil tank.

[0011] To prevent hydraulic voids in the steering cylinders, in some preferred embodiments, a replenishment module is provided between the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder and the oil tank, and between the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder and the oil tank, for replenishing oil to the corresponding steering cylinders when hydraulic voids occur.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments, the oil replenishment module includes a first back pressure check valve and a second back pressure check valve. The output end of the first back pressure check valve is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder, and the output end of the second back pressure check valve is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder. The input ends of both the first and second back pressure check valves are connected to the oil tank.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, a third check valve is provided between the output end of the metering pump and port A of the diverting valve.

[0014] To facilitate understanding the pressure conditions of the right and left steering cylinders, in some preferred embodiments, a first pressure and flow detection point is provided on the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder, and a second pressure and flow detection point is provided on the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: When the power-driven energy harvesting system of this utility model is in use, by setting up an energy recovery module, the comparison shuttle valves of the energy recovery module provide a certain back pressure to the left and right steering cylinders respectively. This ensures the normal operation of the left and right steering cylinders while also enabling energy recovery by the energy recovery module. Simultaneously, the safety valve unloads the recovery when the recovery is complete or exceeds the system recovery pressure, thus providing safety protection for the energy recovery module. This avoids the direct discharge of usable hydraulic energy in existing common hydraulic steering systems due to the lack of a dedicated energy recovery mechanism, constituting a long-neglected energy waste. Compared to electrical energy recovery paths, directly recovering and reusing hydraulic energy has potential advantages such as a shorter energy transmission chain, higher efficiency, and higher structural integration. However, currently, there are few technical solutions for direct hydraulic energy recovery, and related systematic research is also lacking. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the steering module in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the energy recovery module in this utility model.

[0018] In the picture: 1. Fuel tank; 2. Steering module; 201. Power unit; 202. Fixed displacement pump; 203. Steering valve; 204. Steering motor; 205. Overload protection module; 2051. First overload valve; 2052. Second overload valve; 206. Third check valve; 207. Steering wheel; 208. Fuel replenishment module; 2801. First back pressure check valve; 2802. Second back pressure check valve; 3. Energy recovery module, 301. Comparison shuttle valve, 302. Safety valve, 303. Pressure overload directional valve, 304. First accumulator, 305. Second accumulator; 4. Left steering cylinder; 5. Right steering cylinder; 6. First pressure and flow detection point; 7. Second pressure and flow detection point. Detailed Implementation

[0019] like Figure 1-3As shown, a power-driven energy harvesting system includes an oil tank 1, a steering module 2, and an energy recovery module 3. The steering module 2 is connected to the left steering cylinder 4 and the right steering cylinder 5 respectively. The energy recovery module 3 is used to recover energy when the left steering cylinder 4 and the right steering cylinder 5 are under pressure, or under pressure for a short time or for a long time. When the energy recovery is completed or exceeds the system recovery pressure, the system can unload the load. The energy recovery module 3 includes a comparison shuttle valve 301, a safety valve 302, a pressure overload reversing valve 303, a first accumulator 304, and a second accumulator 305. The S1 and S2 ports of the comparison shuttle valve 301 are set with back pressure opening pressures. The internal spring of the comparison shuttle valve 301 adjusts the pressure from 9 to 15 MPa. The set pressure of the safety valve 302 is greater than the set pressures of the first accumulator 304 and the second accumulator 305. The S1 port of the comparison shuttle valve 301 is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder 4, and the S2 port of the comparison shuttle valve 301 is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5. Ports T10 and T11 of valve 301 are connected. Port T11 is connected to port P14 of overload directional valve 303 and port T12 of safety valve 302. Port A4 of overload directional valve 303 is connected to the first accumulator 304. Port A5 of overload directional valve 303 is connected to the second accumulator 305. Port A4 of overload directional valve 303 is connected to port K10 of the left pilot end of overload directional valve 303. Port A5 of overload directional valve 303 is connected to port K11 of the right pilot end of overload directional valve 303. Port T3 of safety valve 302 is connected to oil tank 1.

[0020] In this embodiment, the pressure of the first accumulator 304 is less than the pressure of the second accumulator 305. The pressure of the first accumulator 304 is 7.5 MPa, and the pressure of the second accumulator 305 is 17 MPa, so that there is a pressure difference between the first accumulator 304 and the second accumulator 305. The set pressure value of the safety valve 302 is 17.5 MPa.

[0021] Steering module 2 includes a power unit 201, a fixed displacement pump 202, a steering valve 203, and a steering motor 204. The power unit 201 is connected to the power input end of the fixed displacement pump 202. The input end of the fixed displacement pump 202 is connected to the oil tank 1. The output end of the fixed displacement pump 202 is connected to port A of the steering valve 203. Port B of the steering valve 203 is connected to the oil tank 1. Port LS1 of the steering valve 203 is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5 and the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder 4, respectively. Port LS2 of the steering valve 203 is connected to... The steering valve 203 is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder 4 and the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5. The P1 port and P2 port of the steering valve 203 are connected to the forward and reverse input terminals of the steering motor 204, respectively. The output terminal of the steering motor 204 is connected to the right end of the steering valve 203. The left end of the steering valve 203 is connected to the steering wheel 207. An overload protection module 205 is provided between the steering valve 203, the left steering cylinder 4 and the right steering cylinder 5. The overload protection module 205 is used to relieve steering load when pressure is overloaded during steering.

[0022] The overload protection module 205 includes a first overload valve 2051 and a second overload valve 2052. The input end of the first overload valve 2051 is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5, and the input end of the second overload valve 2052 is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder 4. The output ends of the first overload valve 2051 and the second overload valve 2052 are both connected to the oil tank 1.

[0023] A replenishment module 208 is provided between the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5 and the oil tank 1, and between the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder 4 and the oil tank 1. The replenishment module 208 is used to replenish oil to the corresponding steering cylinder when hydraulic air occurs. The replenishment module 208 includes a first back pressure check valve 2801 and a second back pressure check valve 2802. The output end of the first back pressure check valve 2801 is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5, and the output end of the second back pressure check valve 2802 is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder 4. The input ends of the first back pressure check valve 2801 and the second back pressure check valve 2802 are both connected to the oil tank 1.

[0024] A third check valve 206 is provided between the output end of the metering pump 202 and port A of the diverting valve 203.

[0025] A first pressure and flow detection point 6 is provided on the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5, and a second pressure and flow detection point 7 is provided on the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder 4. The first pressure and flow detection point 6 and the second pressure and flow detection point 7 can be connected to external monitoring equipment to further monitor the flow rate entering the right steering cylinder 5 and the left steering cylinder 4 after subdivision.

[0026] Its working principle is as follows: In the main working state, the power unit 201 outputs rotational power and drives the fixed displacement pump 202 to draw in hydraulic oil from the oil tank 1. Then, the hydraulic oil passes through the fixed displacement pump 202 to output pressurized oil, and then passes through the third check valve 206 to deliver the pressurized oil to the steering valve 203. At this time, the steering wheel 207 is turned and the steering valve 203 is displaced, so that the steering motor 204 is rotated. The steering motor 204 precisely subdivides the flow entering the steering valve 203 and precisely matches the allowable flow according to the rotation speed of the steering wheel 207. The high-pressure oil after subdividing the flow passes through the first pressure and flow detection point 6 or the second pressure and flow detection point 7 and enters the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder 5. At the same time, it enters the rodless chamber of the left steering cylinder 4 to achieve right steering. Similarly, when the steering wheel 207 turns left, the steering valve 203 moves to the left. The principle described below is the same as that for right steering. During the steering process, if a road impact occurs, the wheel-side pressure increases. At this time, the pressure inside the right steering cylinder 5 will rise and impact the pressure value set by the first overload valve 2051 or the second overload valve 2052. When the impact pressure reaches the set pressure of the first overload valve 2051 or the second overload valve 2052, the first overload valve 2051 or the second overload valve 2052 will open, and the high-pressure oil will be unloaded and returned to the oil tank 1 through the first overload valve 2051 or the second overload valve 2052. The first back pressure check valve 2801 and the second back pressure check valve 2802 are set here to replenish the hydraulic oil from the oil tank 1 to the left steering cylinder 4 or the right steering cylinder 5 when there is hydraulic air in the left steering cylinder 4 or the right steering cylinder 5, thereby stabilizing the system.

[0027] When encountering roadside bumps or making slight turns, the left turn cylinder 4 or right turn cylinder 5 may experience pressure buildup, either momentarily or permanently. When turning right, the hydraulic oil will open port S2 of the comparator valve 301. The internal spring of the comparator valve 301 can adjust the pressure from 9-15 MPa, adjusting according to actual driving conditions. Energy recovery is only performed under extreme conditions, without affecting normal driving. The hydraulic oil flows from port S2 of the comparator valve 301 to port T10, then through port T11 to port T12 of the safety valve 302. If the pressure is insufficient to open the safety valve 302... When the overflow pressure is 17.5 MPa, the recovered energy of the hydraulic oil enters the P14 port of the pressure overload directional valve 303, and then enters the low-pressure first accumulator 304 for energy recovery. After the low-pressure accumulator is full, the pressure gradually rises and enters the A4 port from the P14 port of the pressure overload directional valve 303. At the same time, the hydraulic oil is pushed through the K10 port of the pressure overload directional valve 303 at the A4 port, causing the pressure overload directional valve 303 to move to the right and charge the high-pressure second accumulator 305, realizing differential pressure charging and energy recovery in stages to maximize energy recovery.

[0028] Safety valve 302 can be electrically controlled to adjust the pressure during the charging process to maximize the protection of the system. The minimum pressure can be electrically controlled to 0 to unload the recovery system, achieve main steering, and unload.

[0029] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of this utility model, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power-driven energy harvesting system, comprising a fuel tank (1) and a steering module (2) connected to the fuel tank (1), wherein the steering module (2) is connected to a left steering cylinder (4) and a right steering cylinder (5) respectively, characterized in that: It also includes an energy recovery module (3), which is used to recover energy when the left steering cylinder (4) and the right steering cylinder (5) are under pressure, or under pressure for a short time or for a long time, and to recover unloading when the energy recovery is completed or exceeds the system recovery pressure; The energy recovery module (3) includes a comparison shuttle valve (301), a safety valve (302), a pressure overload reversing valve (303), a first accumulator (304), and a second accumulator (305). The S1 and S2 ports of the comparison shuttle valve (301) are set with back pressure opening pressures. The set pressure of the safety valve (302) is greater than the set pressure of the first accumulator (304) and the set pressure of the second accumulator (305). The S1 port of the comparison shuttle valve (301) is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder (4), and the S2 port of the comparison shuttle valve (301) is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder (5). The T10 port of the comparison shuttle valve (301) is connected to... The T11 port is connected to the P14 port of the pressure overload directional valve (303) and the T12 port of the safety valve (302). The A4 port of the pressure overload directional valve (303) is connected to the first accumulator (304). The A5 port of the pressure overload directional valve (303) is connected to the second accumulator (305). The A4 port of the pressure overload directional valve (303) is connected to the left pilot port K10 port of the pressure overload directional valve (303). The A5 port of the pressure overload directional valve (303) is connected to the right pilot port K11 port of the pressure overload directional valve (303). The T3 port of the safety valve (302) is connected to the oil tank (1).

2. The power-driven energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a pressure difference between the first accumulator (304) and the second accumulator (305).

3. The power-driven energy harvesting system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure of the first accumulator (304) is less than the pressure of the second accumulator (305).

4. A power-driven energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The steering module (2) includes a power unit (201), a fixed displacement pump (202), a steering valve (203), and a steering motor (204). The power unit (201) is connected to the power input end of the fixed displacement pump (202). The input end of the fixed displacement pump (202) is connected to the oil tank (1). The output end of the fixed displacement pump (202) is connected to port A of the steering valve (203). Port B of the steering valve (203) is connected to the oil tank (1). Port LS1 of the steering valve (203) is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder (5) and the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder (4), respectively. The LS2 port of the valve (203) is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder (4) and the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder (5) respectively. The P1 port and P2 port of the steering valve (203) are connected to the forward and reverse input ends of the steering motor (204) respectively. The output end of the steering motor (204) is connected to the right end of the steering valve (203). The left end of the steering valve (203) is connected to the steering wheel (207) for transmission. An overload protection module (205) is provided between the steering valve (203), the left steering cylinder (4) and the right steering cylinder (5) for unloading the steering load when the pressure is overloaded during the steering process.

5. A power-driven energy harvesting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The overload protection module (205) includes a first overload valve (2051) and a second overload valve (2052). The input end of the first overload valve (2051) is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder (5), and the input end of the second overload valve (2052) is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder (4). The output ends of the first overload valve (2051) and the second overload valve (2052) are both connected to the oil tank (1).

6. A power-driven energy harvesting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A replenishment module (208) is provided between the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder (5) and the oil tank (1), and between the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder (4) and the oil tank (1) for replenishing oil to the corresponding steering cylinder when liquid air occurs in the steering cylinder.

7. A power-driven energy harvesting system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The oil replenishment module (208) includes a first back pressure check valve (2801) and a second back pressure check valve (2802). The output end of the first back pressure check valve (2801) is connected to the rod chamber of the right steering cylinder (5), and the output end of the second back pressure check valve (2802) is connected to the rod chamber of the left steering cylinder (4). The input ends of the first back pressure check valve (2801) and the second back pressure check valve (2802) are both connected to the oil tank (1).

8. A power-driven energy harvesting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A third check valve (206) is provided between the output end of the metering pump (202) and port A of the diverting valve (203).

9. A power-driven energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right steering cylinder (5) has a first pressure and flow detection point (6) on its rod chamber, and the left steering cylinder (4) has a second pressure and flow detection point (7) on its rod chamber.

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