Distributed pump architecture for multi-functional machines

Abstract

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a distributed pump architecture for use in a control system for a multi-function machine. In some cases, the control system for the multi-function machine includes three or more control circuits. At least two of the control circuits each include a hydraulic fluid pump, each pump being controlled by a different control circuit. At least two of the hydraulic fluid pumps have different flow rates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a distributed pump architecture for a multi-function machine. Background Art

[0002] The machine is powered by various power systems (e.g., internal combustion engines, electric power systems, and hybrid power systems). In an internal combustion engine, one or more fuel pumps deliver fuel to a common rail. The fuel is delivered from the common rail to the cylinders of the engine by fuel injectors for combustion, providing power for the operation of the system driven by the engine. Electric power systems typically use power storage devices (e.g., batteries) to power one or more electric motors / generators to provide other functions. The electric power system may include a pump driven by an electric motor. A hybrid power system may include a hybrid control system, a battery, a motor / generator, and an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine). The hybrid control system can control the engine and motor / generator to provide power to the load (e.g., to move the machine or provide electricity to a residence). In addition, in some cases, the engine and motor / generator may also provide electricity to charge the battery.

[0003] Some machines are multifunctional. For example, a construction machine may have the function of controlling and moving a shovel, a crane, a swing arm, a bucket, and / or a blade in addition to its travel function. As another example, a multifunctional machine is an excavator. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is desirable to improve the energy efficiency of a power system. For multi-function machines, a single pump or a pair of pumps with the same displacement, managed by a main valve, is used to supply power to multiple functions (e.g., travel, boom, swing arm, etc.). This often results in energy losses (e.g., 40% energy loss). At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an architecture that is decoupled from a hydraulic system to improve energy efficiency. At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an applicable architecture for a distributed pump for a power system to improve energy efficiency. In some cases, the architecture of the distributed pump may be applicable to any one of a fuel-powered system, an electric-powered system, and a hybrid-powered system.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a control system for a fuel power system. The control system includes a first control circuit, a second control circuit, and a third control circuit. The first control circuit includes a first pump and is configured to control a first hydraulic fluid flow from the first pump. The second control circuit includes a second pump and is configured to control a second hydraulic fluid flow from the second pump. The third control circuit includes a third pump and a hydraulic motor. The third control circuit is configured to control a third hydraulic fluid flow from the third pump, and the hydraulic motor is configured to control rotational movement. The first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from the second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow. The first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from the third flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid flow. The second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow is different from the third flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid flow.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a control system for an electric power system. The control system includes a first control circuit, a second control circuit, and a third control circuit. The first control circuit includes a first electric motor and a first pump. The first control circuit is configured to control a first hydraulic fluid flow from the first pump. The second control circuit includes a second electric motor and a second pump. The second control circuit is configured to control a second hydraulic fluid flow from the second pump. The third control circuit includes an electric motor / generator. The third control circuit is configured to control the electricity generated by the electric motor / generator. A first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from a second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow.

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a control system for a hybrid powertrain system. The control system includes a first control circuit, a second control circuit, and a third control circuit. The first control circuit includes a first pump and is configured to control a first hydraulic fluid flow from the first pump. The second control circuit includes a second pump and is configured to control a second hydraulic fluid flow from the second pump. The third control circuit includes an electric motor / generator and is configured to control the electricity generated by the electric motor / generator. A first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from a second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow. The first pump is a variable displacement pump. The second pump is also a variable displacement pump.

[0008] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other features of the present disclosure and the manner in which these features are achieved will become more apparent, and the present disclosure itself will be better understood, by referring to the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 It is a simplified stereogram of a multifunctional machine;

[0011] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary control system for a fuel power system;

[0012] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary control system for an electric powertrain system; and

[0013] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary control system for a hybrid powertrain system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in the specification and claims to express feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties should be understood as being modified in all cases by the term "about". Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters listed in the foregoing specification and the appended claims are approximate values, which can be changed according to the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein. The use of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.

[0015] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments with plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0016] As used herein, for example, when an element, component, device or layer is described as being "connected," "coupled" or "in contact with" another element, component, device or layer, the element, component, device or layer may be directly connected, directly coupled or in direct contact with another element, component, device or layer on another element, component, device or layer, or an intermediate element, component, device or layer may be connected, coupled or in contact with a specific element, component, device or layer on a specific element, component, device or layer. For example, when an element, component, device or layer is, for example, referred to as being directly connected, directly coupled or in direct contact with another element, component, device or layer on another element, component, device or layer, there is no intermediate element, component, device or layer. As used herein, "powered" refers to a device that receives operating power.

[0017] refer to Figure 1 , shows a simplified schematic diagram of a multi-function machine 100. The multi-function machine 100 is powered by a power system 110. The power system 110 includes one or more pumps 114, one or more motor / generators 116, and one or more valves 118. In some embodiments, the power system 110 includes an engine 112, such as an internal combustion engine. In some embodiments, the power system 110 does not include an internal combustion engine. In some cases, the power system 110 includes one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries; not shown). In some embodiments, the multi-function machine 100 includes multiple functional devices (e.g., 120, 125, 130, 135, and 140). In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-function machine 100 is an excavator that includes a boom assembly 120, an arm assembly 125, a bucket assembly 130, a travel assembly 135, and a swing arm assembly 140. In some cases, the boom assembly 120 has one or more boom cylinders 122. In some cases, the arm assembly 125 has an arm cylinder 127. In some cases, bucket member 130 has one or more bucket cylinders 132 . In one embodiment, multi-function machine 100 includes an operator cabin 145 .

[0018] In some embodiments, the power system 110 is associated with a control system 150. In some cases, the control system 150 includes one or more control circuits 155. In some cases, the one or more control circuits 155 include one or more pump controllers 112. In one embodiment, the control circuit 155 is configured to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the pump 114. For example, the control system 150 may include a boom control circuit 155 that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump 114 to the boom cylinder 122. In some cases, at least one of the one or more pumps 114 is a variable displacement pump. As used herein, a variable displacement pump refers to a pump that produces a variable fluid flow rate by changing the pump's displacement (such as the swash plate angle), where the flow rate can be controlled by the control circuit 155. Pump displacement refers to the volume of fluid transferred from the pump's inlet to its outlet in one revolution or cycle. In some cases, the pump's flow rate is controlled to match the load demand of the functional device. In some embodiments, the power system 110 propels the multi-function machine 100. In some cases, the power system 110 provides electricity / power to one or more motor / generators 116. In some cases, the one or more motor / generators 116 include one or more hydraulic motors. In some cases, the one or more motor / generators 116 include one or more electric motors. In some cases, the one or more motor / generators 116 include one or more electric motors. In some embodiments, a hydraulic motor refers to a mechanical actuator that converts hydraulic fluid pressure and hydraulic fluid flow into torque and angular displacement. As used herein, an electric motor refers to a motor that is powered by electricity and controls movement (e.g., linear movement, rotational movement, etc.). In some embodiments, an electric motor / generator refers to a combination of an electric motor and a generator capable of generating electricity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the motor / generator 116 (in some cases together with the pump) provides power to one or more functional devices (120, 125, 130, 135 or 140). In some cases, the motor / generator 116 is coupled to the pump 114 and controlled by a control loop 155 of the control system 150. The control loop 155 can control the output of the motor / generator 116 and, for example, directly or indirectly control the fluid flow of the pump 114 by means of a control signal. In certain embodiments, the control loop 115 receives feedback signals from the pump 114 and / or the motor / generator 116. In some cases, the control loop 115 adjusts the control signal based on the feedback signal. In some cases, the functions of the control loop 155 and the control system 150 can be performed by hardware and / or as computer instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control system 150 and one or more control loops 155 are configured to determine a flow rate to meet the load demand of a functional device and control the pump 114 and / or motor / generator 116 to produce output energy that matches the load demand of the functional device. In some embodiments, the load demand of the functional device is provided as an input or selected by an operator. In one embodiment, the load demand is provided as a pressure or converted to a pressure. For example, the flow rate is provided by the product of the pump speed and the pump displacement. In some cases, the pump displacement is controlled by the operator and / or the hydraulic system.

[0021] refer to Figure 2 , shows a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary control system 200 for a fuel power system (e.g., an internal combustion engine). As shown, the control system 200 includes an embodiment of a distributed pump architecture. The control system 200 includes a first control loop 210, a second control loop 220, and a third control loop 230. Although Figure 2 The embodiment shown in FIG2 includes three control circuits, but the control system 200 may have more than three control circuits. The first control circuit 210 includes a first pump 212 and is configured to control a first hydraulic fluid flow 213 from the first pump 212. The second control circuit 220 includes a second pump 222 and is configured to control a second hydraulic fluid flow 223 from the second pump 222. The third control circuit 230 includes a third pump 232 and a hydraulic motor 234. The third control circuit 230 is configured to control a third hydraulic fluid flow 233 from the third pump 232. The hydraulic motor 234 is configured to control linear movement and / or rotational movement.

[0022] First pump 212, second pump 222, and / or third pump 232 are coupled to engine 205. In some cases, engine 205 is an internal combustion engine. In some cases, engine 205 is a diesel engine. In some cases, at least one of first pump 212, second pump 222, and third pump 232 is a variable displacement pump. In some cases, first pump 212 is a variable displacement pump. In some cases, second pump 222 is a variable displacement pump. In some cases, third pump 232 is a variable displacement pump.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first control loop 210 is configured to control the fluid flow and / or power supply provided to the first functional device 215. In some embodiments, the second control loop 220 is configured to control the fluid flow and / or power supply provided to the second functional device 225. In the illustrated embodiment, the second functional device 225 includes a plurality of functional devices 225. In some embodiments, the third control loop 230 is configured to control the fluid flow and power supply provided to the third functional device 235. In some cases, each of the first functional device 215, the second functional device 225, and the third functional device 235 can include multiple functional devices having the same load requirements or different load requirements.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first hydraulic fluid stream 213 has a different flow rate than the second hydraulic fluid stream 223. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid stream 213 is different from the flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid stream 233. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid stream 223 is different from the flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid stream 233. In some cases, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid stream 213 is higher than the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid stream 223. In some cases, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid stream 213 is higher than the flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid stream 233.

[0025] In some designs, the first function device 215, the second function device 225, and the third function device 235 each have different load requirements. In some cases, the first function device 215 has the highest load requirement among the function devices supported by the control system 200. In some cases, the third function device 235 has the lowest load requirement among the function devices supported by the control system 200. In some embodiments, the load requirement of the first function device 215 is higher than the load requirements of the second function device 225 and / or the third function device 235.

[0026] In some implementations, the hydraulic flow requirement of the first functional device 215 is higher than the hydraulic flow requirement of the second functional device 225 and / or the third functional device 235. The first control circuit 210 is configured to control the power provided to the first functional device 215. In some cases, the first control circuit 210 is configured to control the flow of the first hydraulic fluid 213 from the first pump 212 via the valve 216 into one or more cylinders associated with the functional device 215. In some cases, the first control circuit 210 is configured to control the generation of a higher power supply than the power supply controlled by the second control circuit 220 to meet the load demand of the first functional device 215. In some cases, the first control circuit 210 is configured to control the generation of a higher power supply than the power supply controlled by the third control circuit 230 to meet the load demand of the first functional device 215. In one embodiment, the first functional device 215 is a boom of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 In one embodiment, the first control circuit 210 is configured to feed a first hydraulic fluid flow 213 from the first pump 212 to a boom cylinder of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 122).

[0027] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid flow 233 is lower than the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow 213. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid flow 233 is lower than the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow 223. In some implementations, the load demand of the third functional device 235 is lower than the load demand of the first functional device 215 and / or the second functional device 225. The third control circuit 230 is configured to control the power provided to the third functional device 235. In some cases, the third control circuit 230 is configured to control the generation of a power supply lower than the power supply controlled by the first control circuit 210 to meet the load demand of the third functional device 235. In some cases, the third control circuit 230 is configured to control the generation of a power supply lower than the power supply controlled by the second control circuit 220 to meet the load demand of the third functional device 235. In some cases, the third functional device 235 is a swing arm of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 140).

[0028] In some embodiments, the second control circuit 220 is configured to control the power provided to a plurality of functional devices 225. In some cases, the second control circuit 220 is configured to control the flow of a second hydraulic fluid 223 from the second pump 222 into a plurality of cylinders (not shown). In some cases, the second control circuit 220 is configured to control the flow of a second hydraulic fluid 223 from the second pump 222 into the plurality of cylinders via a valve 226. In some cases, the valve 226 can receive a control signal from the second control circuit 210; and in response, the valve 226 can increase, decrease, change, or shut off the flow of the second hydraulic fluid 223 into a particular functional device 225. In one embodiment, the functional device 225 includes a functional device 227 having a rotational movement. In some cases, the functional device 227 includes a hydraulic motor 228 and a device 229. In one embodiment, the device 229 is a traveling component of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 135). In some cases, the functional device 225 includes an arm component of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 125) and bucket parts of excavators (e.g. Figure 1 130).

[0029] refer to Figure 3 , shows a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary control system 300 for an electric power system (e.g., a pure electric power system, a plug-in power system, but not a hybrid power system). The control system 300 shows an embodiment of a distributed pump architecture. The control system 300 includes a first control loop 310, a second control loop 320, and a third control loop 330. Although Figure 3 The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes three control circuits, but control system 300 may have more than three control circuits. First control circuit 310 includes a first electric motor 311 and a first pump 312. First control circuit 310 is configured to control first electric motor 311 and a first hydraulic fluid flow 313 from first pump 312. Second control circuit 320 includes a second electric motor 321 and a second pump 322. Second control circuit 320 is configured to control second electric motor 321 and a second hydraulic fluid flow 323 from second pump 322. Third control circuit 330 includes an electric motor / generator 332. In some cases, third control circuit 330 is configured to control the power generated by electric motor / generator 332. In some cases, the flow rate of first hydraulic fluid flow 313 is different from the flow rate of second hydraulic fluid flow 323. In some cases, first electric motor 311 and / or second electric motor 321 do not have a power generation function.

[0030] In some embodiments, the control system 300 is electrically coupled to a power storage device 305 (e.g., a battery). In some cases, the power storage device 305 includes an energy management unit (not shown), an energy storage device (e.g., a plurality of battery / fuel cell stacks) (not shown), and a thermal management system (not shown). In some applications, the battery stack includes a plurality of lithium-ion battery stacks, but various other suitable energy storage technologies may be used in other applications. In some cases, the first electric motor 311, the second electric motor 321, and / or the electric motor / generator 332 are electrically coupled to the power storage device 305. In some embodiments, the power storage device 305 is configured to provide power to the first electric motor 311, the second electric motor 321, and / or the electric motor / generator 332. In some cases, the electric motor / generator 332 can supply power 331 to the power storage device 305, for example, to charge the power storage device 305.

[0031] In some cases, at least one of the first pump 312 and the second pump 322 is a variable displacement pump. In some cases, the first pump 312 is a variable displacement pump. In some cases, the second pump 322 is a variable displacement pump. The first control circuit 310 is configured to control the fluid flow and / or power supply provided to the first functional device 315. The second control circuit 320 is configured to control the fluid flow and / or power supply provided to the second functional device 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the second functional device 325 includes a plurality of functional devices 325. In some embodiments, the third control circuit 330 is configured to control the power supply provided to the third functional device 335. In some cases, each of the first functional device 315, the second functional device 325, and the third functional device 335 can include multiple functional devices having the same load requirements or different load requirements.

[0032] In some designs, first function device 315, second function device 325, and third function device 335 each have different load requirements. In some cases, first function device 315 has the highest load requirement among the function devices supported by control system 300. In some cases, third function device 335 has the lowest load requirement among the function devices supported by control system 300.

[0033] In some implementations, the load demand of the first functional device 315 is higher than the load demand of the second functional device 325 and / or the third functional device 335. In some implementations, the load demand of the first functional device 315 is higher than the load demand of the second functional device 325. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow 313 is different from the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow 323. In some cases, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow 313 is higher than the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow 323. In some implementations, the load demand of the first functional device 315 is higher than the load demand of the third functional device 335. The first control circuit 310 is configured to control the power provided to the first functional device 315. In some cases, the first control circuit 310 is configured to control the flow of the first hydraulic fluid 313 from the first pump 312 via the valve 316 to one or more cylinders associated with the functional device 315. In some cases, the first control circuit 310 is configured to generate a higher power supply than the power supply controlled by the second control circuit 220 to meet the load demand of the first functional device 315. In some cases, the first control circuit 310 is configured to generate a higher power supply than the power supply controlled by the third control circuit 330 to meet the load demand of the first functional device 315. In one embodiment, the first functional device 315 is a boom of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 In one embodiment, the first control circuit 310 is configured to feed a first hydraulic fluid flow 313 from a first pump 312 into a boom cylinder of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 132).

[0034] In some implementations, the load demand of the third functional device 335 is lower than the load demand of the first functional device 315 and / or the second functional device 325. The third control loop 330 is configured to control the power provided to the third functional device 335. In some cases, the third control loop 330 is configured to control the generation of a power supply lower than the power supply controlled by the first control loop 310 to meet the load demand of the third functional device 335. In some cases, the third control loop 330 is configured to control the generation of a power supply lower than the power supply controlled by the second control loop 320 to meet the load demand of the third functional device 335. In some cases, the additional power 333 supplied to the third functional device 335 can flow back to the electric motor / generator 332. In some cases, the electric motor / generator 332 can generate additional power to be stored in the power storage device 305, for example, to charge the power storage device 305. In some cases, the third functional device 335 is a swing arm of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 140).

[0035] In some embodiments, the second control circuit 320 is configured to control the power provided to a plurality of functional devices 325. The second control circuit 320 is configured to control the flow of a second hydraulic fluid 323 from a second pump 322 into a plurality of cylinders (not shown). In some cases, the second control circuit 320 is configured to control the flow of a second hydraulic fluid 323 from the second pump 322 into a plurality of cylinders via a valve 326. In some cases, the valve 326 can receive a control signal from the second control circuit 310; and in response, the valve can increase, decrease, change, or shut off the second hydraulic flow 323 into a particular functional device 325. In one embodiment, the functional device 325 includes a functional device 327 having a rotational movement. In some cases, the functional device 327 includes a hydraulic motor 328 and a device 329. In one embodiment, the device 329 is a traveling component of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 135). In some cases, the functional device 325 includes an arm component of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 125) and bucket parts of excavators (e.g. Figure 1 130).

[0036] refer to Figure 4 , shows a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary control system 400 for a hybrid power system. As shown, the control system 400 includes an embodiment of a distributed pump architecture. The control system 400 includes a first control loop 410, a second control loop 420, and a third control loop 430. Although Figure 4 The embodiment shown in FIG4 includes three control circuits, but the control system 400 may have more than three control circuits. A first control circuit 410 includes a first pump 412 and is configured to control a first hydraulic fluid flow 413 from the first pump 412. A second control circuit 420 includes a second pump 422 and is configured to control a second hydraulic fluid flow 423 from the second pump 422. A third control circuit 430 includes an electric motor / generator 432. In some cases, the third control circuit 430 is configured to control the power generated by the electric motor / generator 432. In some cases, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow 413 is different from the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow 423.

[0037] In some embodiments, control system 400 is coupled to engine 405. In some cases, first pump 412, second pump 422, and / or electric motor / generator 432 are coupled to engine 405. In some cases, engine 405 is an internal combustion engine. In some cases, engine 405 is a diesel engine. In some embodiments, control system 400 is electrically coupled to power storage device 407 (e.g., a battery). In some cases, electric motor / generator 432 is electrically coupled to power storage device 407. In some cases, power storage device 407 includes an energy management unit (not shown), an energy storage device (e.g., multiple battery / fuel cell stacks) (not shown), and a thermal management system (not shown). In some applications, the battery stack includes multiple lithium-ion battery stacks, but various other suitable energy storage technologies may be used in other applications. In some embodiments, power storage device 407 is configured to provide power to electric motor / generator 432. In some cases, electric motor / generator 432 can supply power 431 to power storage device 407, for example, to charge power storage device 407. In some cases, engine 405 can supply power to electric motor / generator 432. Optionally, third control loop 430 includes a clutch 409 connected between engine 405 and electric motor / generator 432. Clutch 409 can couple and decouple engine 405 from electric motor / generator 432. Clutch 409 can control the direction and source of power flow from engine 405 or energy storage device 407 to third control loop 430.

[0038] In some embodiments, engine 405 is configured to provide power to electric motor / generator 432, and third control loop 430 controls the generation of this power. In some cases, first control loop 410 is powered solely by engine 405. In some cases, first control loop 410 is not coupled to power storage device 407 and / or electric motor / generator 432. In some cases, second control loop 420 is powered solely by engine 405. In some cases, second control loop 420 is not coupled to power storage device 407 and / or electric motor / generator 432.

[0039] In some cases, at least one of the first pump 412 and the second pump 422 is a variable displacement pump. In some cases, the first pump 412 is a variable displacement pump. In some cases, the second pump 422 is a variable displacement pump. In some embodiments, the first control loop 410 is configured to control the fluid flow and / or power supply provided to the first functional device 415. In some embodiments, the second control loop 420 is configured to control the fluid flow, power supply, and / or movement provided to the second functional device 425. In the illustrated embodiment, the second functional device 425 includes a plurality of functional devices 425. In some embodiments, the third control loop 430 is configured to control the power supply provided to the third functional device 435. In some cases, each of the first functional device 415, the second functional device 425, and the third functional device 435 can include multiple functional devices having the same load requirements or different load requirements.

[0040] In some designs, first function device 415, second function device 425, and third function device 435 each have different load requirements. In some cases, first function device 415 has the highest load requirement among the function devices supported by control system 400. In some cases, third function device 435 has the lowest load requirement among the function devices supported by control system 400.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow 413 is different from the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow 423. In some cases, the flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow 413 is higher than the flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow 423. In some embodiments, the load demand of the first functional device 415 is higher than the load demand of the second functional device 425. In some embodiments, the load demand of the first functional device 415 is higher than the load demand of the third functional device 435. The first control circuit 410 is configured to control the power provided to the first functional device 415. In some cases, the first control circuit 410 is configured to control the flow of the first hydraulic fluid 413 from the first pump 412 via the valve 416 to one or more cylinders associated with the functional device 415. In some cases, the first control circuit 410 is configured to generate a higher power supply than the power supply controlled by the second control circuit 420 to meet the load demand of the first functional device 415. In some cases, the first control circuit 410 is configured to generate a higher power supply than the power supply controlled by the third control circuit 430 to meet the load demand of the first functional device 415. In one embodiment, the first functional device 415 is a boom of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 In one embodiment, the first control circuit 410 is configured to feed a first hydraulic fluid flow 413 from a first pump 412 into a boom cylinder (e.g., Figure 1 132).

[0042] In some implementations, the load demand of the third functional device 435 is lower than the load demand of the first functional device 415 and / or the second functional device 425. In one embodiment, the third control loop 430 is configured to control the power provided to the third functional device 435. In some cases, the third control loop 430 is configured to control the generation of a power supply lower than the power supply controlled by the first control loop 410 to meet the load demand of the third functional device 435. In some cases, the third control loop 430 is configured to control the generation of a power supply lower than the power supply controlled by the second control loop 420 to meet the load demand of the third functional device 435. In some cases, the additional power 433 supplied to the third functional device 435 can flow back to the electric motor / generator 432. In some cases, the electric motor / generator 432 can generate additional power to be stored in the power storage device 305. In some cases, the third functional device 435 is a swing arm of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 140).

[0043] In some embodiments, the second control circuit 420 is configured to control the power provided to a plurality of functional devices 425. In some cases, the second control circuit 420 is configured to control the flow of a second hydraulic fluid 423 from a second pump 422 into a plurality of cylinders (not shown). In some cases, the second control circuit 420 is configured to control the flow of a second hydraulic fluid 423 from a second pump 422 into a plurality of cylinders via a valve 426. In some cases, the valve 426 can receive a control signal from the second control circuit 410; and in response, the valve 426 can increase, decrease, change, or shut off the second hydraulic flow 423 into a particular functional device 425. In one embodiment, the functional device 425 includes a functional device 427 having a rotational movement. In some cases, the functional device 427 includes a hydraulic motor 428 and a device 429. In one embodiment, the device 429 is a traveling component of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 135). In some cases, the functional device 425 includes an arm component of an excavator (e.g., Figure 1 125) and bucket parts of excavators (e.g. Figure 1 130).

[0044] In some embodiments, a control system for a hybrid powertrain system includes: a first control circuit including a first pump and configured to control a first hydraulic fluid flow from the first pump; a second control circuit including a second pump and configured to control a second hydraulic fluid flow from the second pump; and a third control circuit including an electric motor / generator and configured to control the electric power generated by the electric motor / generator. In some embodiments, a first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from a second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow. In certain embodiments, the first pump is a variable displacement pump, and the second pump is a variable displacement pump.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the control system further includes a power storage device electrically coupled to the electric motor / generator, wherein the power storage device is configured to provide power to the electric motor / generator. In some embodiments, the electric motor / generator is configured to supply power to the power storage device. In certain embodiments, the third control loop is configured to control a swing arm motor of the excavator.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first flow rate is higher than the second flow rate. In certain embodiments, the second control circuit is configured to feed the second hydraulic fluid flow from the second pump into the plurality of cylinders. In some designs, the second control circuit is configured to feed the second hydraulic fluid flow from the second pump into the plurality of cylinders via the main valve.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first control circuit is configured to feed a first flow of hydraulic fluid from a first pump into a boom cylinder of an excavator. In some embodiments, the control system further includes a diesel engine configured to power an electric motor / generator, wherein the first control circuit is powered solely by the diesel engine and the second control circuit is powered solely by the diesel engine. In certain embodiments, the first control circuit is configured to provide a first power to a first functional device and the second control circuit is configured to provide a second power to a second functional device, wherein the first functional device has a first load demand and the second functional device has a second load demand, and wherein the first load demand is higher than the second load demand. In some designs, the second functional device includes a plurality of functional devices.

[0048] Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above relate to particular features, the scope of the present invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above features.

Claims

1. A control system for a fuel power system, the control system comprising: a first control circuit including a first pump and configured to control a first flow of hydraulic fluid from the first pump to a first independent group of one or more functional devices, the first group of one or more functional devices being controlled solely by the first control circuit; a second control circuit including a second pump and configured to control a second flow of hydraulic fluid from the second pump to a second independent group of one or more functional devices, the second group of one or more functional devices being controlled solely by the second control circuit; and a third control circuit comprising a third pump and a hydraulic motor and configured to control a third flow of hydraulic fluid from the third pump to a third independent group of one or more functional devices, the third group of one or more functional devices being controlled solely by the third control circuit, the hydraulic motor being configured to control the rotational movement, wherein a first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from a second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow, wherein the first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from a third flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid flow, and The second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow is different from the third flow rate of the third hydraulic fluid flow.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The first flow rate is higher than the second flow rate, and the first flow rate is higher than the third flow rate.

3. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The third flow rate is lower than the first flow rate, and the third flow rate is lower than the second flow rate.

4. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The second control circuit is configured to feed the second flow of hydraulic fluid from the second pump into a plurality of cylinders.

5. The control system according to claim 4, wherein: The second control circuit is configured to feed the second flow of hydraulic fluid from the second pump via a main valve into a plurality of cylinders.

6. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The first group of one or more functional devices includes a boom cylinder of an excavator.

7. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The third group of one or more functional devices includes the swing arm cylinder of the excavator.

8. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first pump, the second pump, and the third pump is a variable displacement pump.

9. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: The first group of one or more functional devices has a first load requirement, the second group of one or more functional devices has a second load requirement, and wherein the first load requirement is higher than the second load requirement.

10. The control system according to claim 9, wherein: The second set of one or more functional devices includes a plurality of functional devices.

11. A control system for an electric power system, the control system comprising: a first control circuit including a first electric motor and a first pump and configured to control a first flow of hydraulic fluid from the first pump to a first independent group of one or more functional devices, the first group of one or more functional devices being controlled solely by the first control circuit; a second control circuit including a second electric motor and a second pump and configured to control a second flow of hydraulic fluid from the second pump to a second independent group of one or more functional devices, the second group of one or more functional devices being controlled solely by the second control circuit; and a third control loop including the electric motor / generator and configured to control electric power generated from the electric motor / generator, Wherein, a first flow rate of the first hydraulic fluid flow is different from a second flow rate of the second hydraulic fluid flow.

12. The control system according to claim 11, further comprising: an electric power storage component electrically coupled to the first electric motor, the second electric motor, and the electric motor / generator, Wherein the power storage component is configured to provide power to the first electric motor, the second electric motor, and the electric motor / generator.

13. The control system according to claim 12, wherein: The electric motor / generator is configured to supply electrical power to the power storage component.

14. The control system according to claim 11, wherein: The third control circuit is configured to control a swing arm motor of the excavator.

15. The control system according to claim 11, wherein: The first flow rate is higher than the second flow rate.

16. The control system according to claim 11, wherein: The second set of one or more functional devices includes a plurality of cylinders.

17. The control system according to claim 16, wherein: The second control circuit is configured to feed the second flow of hydraulic fluid from the second pump via a main valve into a plurality of cylinders.

18. The control system according to claim 11, wherein: The first group of one or more functional devices includes a boom cylinder of an excavator.

19. The control system according to claim 11, wherein: The first group of one or more functional devices has a first load requirement, the second group of one or more functional devices has a second load requirement, and wherein the first load requirement is higher than the second load requirement.

20. The control system according to claim 19, wherein: The second set of one or more functional devices includes a plurality of functional devices.

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