A catapult device based on hydraulic circulation energy storage and a function control method
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510313711.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing catapult systems have insufficient energy storage and release efficiency under high load, rapid response, and small acceleration space, and their maintenance costs are high. Their adaptability and stability need to be improved.
The catapult device, which adopts the principle of hydraulic reflux, uses a structure combining a hydraulic torque converter and a gear system to achieve power reflux and energy storage, and transmits power through gear meshing, simplifying the control system, reducing energy consumption, and improving transmission efficiency.
It achieves stable acceleration within a small acceleration space, reduces energy consumption, extends device life, improves adaptability and ease of maintenance, and is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.
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Figure CN120157045B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydraulic transmission technology, and in particular to a catapult device and its functional control method based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage. Background Technology
[0002] In scenarios with limited acceleration space, high target loads, and the need for rapid response, catapult systems utilize external power to quickly launch the target to a designated area. Currently, the most mature fluid-medium catapult systems are steam catapult systems and hydraulic catapult systems. Both operate on the principle of using high-pressure fluid energy, converting it into kinetic energy through a series of mechanical devices, thereby accelerating the target to high speed in a short time. Their operation mainly consists of three stages: In the energy storage stage, the engine compresses the fluid, storing energy as high-pressure fluid. In the launch stage, the control unit activates, the accumulator releases energy, propelling the motion unit forward, thus accelerating the target object. In the buffering and reset stage, near the end of the stroke, a special buffer structure reduces impact and vibration. Subsequently, all units of the system reset, preparing for the next launch.
[0003] Current non-fluid catapult systems are primarily represented by electromagnetic catapults. Their general structure includes a power supply system, energy storage device, guide rails, armature, and control system. The electromagnetic catapult system transmits high-power electrical energy from the power supply to the energy storage device. The conductive armature, guided by the guide rails, converts electromagnetic force into linear motion. An electronic control system monitors and adjusts the operating parameters of the entire system to ensure a smooth and accurate launch process. Powered by high-power electrical energy, electromagnetic catapult systems offer advantages in controllability and maintenance, avoiding complex piping systems while maintaining a compact size. However, the characteristic of electromagnetic catapults—using electrical energy as their energy source and releasing enormous amounts of energy in a short time—places high demands on the loader's electrical system. Furthermore, core components such as the energy storage system and high-power electrical control equipment require advanced technological support. These technologies are not yet fully mature, inevitably leading to higher maintenance costs. Under current technological conditions, the capacity and charging / discharging speed of the energy storage device still have certain limitations.
[0004] Steam catapult systems, exemplified by the C-13-1 system, primarily consist of a steam tank, a catapult cylinder and piston, control valves, and a braking and return system. The steam tank stores high-pressure steam and serves as a power source; to ensure continuous and efficient catapult launches, it is constantly in a state of rapid replenishment and high pressure maintenance. The piston's movement is completed within the cylinder and is connected to a mechanical device to transmit thrust. The control valves precisely control the steam flow and pressure. After launch, the braking system decelerates and stops the piston, while the return system pulls the piston back to its initial position, preparing for the next launch. This system can achieve accelerations exceeding 4G in the initial launch phase. In practical applications, the catapult system faces launch challenges from different aircraft types; for aircraft with varying aspect ratios, the adaptability of steam catapults requires targeted improvements. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a catapult device and its functional control method based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage. It utilizes the principle of hydraulic reflux to achieve power reflux for energy storage and releases the stored energy in a short time during the catapult process, thereby achieving the function of stable acceleration of the target under the premise of a small acceleration space.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a catapult device for cyclic energy storage based on hydraulic power, comprising an engine, a hydraulic torque converter, a planetary gear set, a winch, a winch cable, a primary drive shaft, and a lock-up clutch; the engine is connected to the primary drive shaft; the planetary gear set includes a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear; the hydraulic torque converter includes a turbine, a guide wheel, and a pump wheel; the planet carrier is fixedly connected to the primary drive shaft; the sun gear is connected to the pump wheel of the hydraulic torque converter, and the turbine of the hydraulic torque converter is connected to the primary drive shaft; a lock-up clutch is connected to the ring gear.
[0007] Preferably, the second drive shaft is fixedly connected to the gear ring, and a first gear is sleeved on the second drive shaft. The first gear meshes with the second gear, and the second gear is fixedly connected to the winch through the third drive shaft.
[0008] Preferably, the pump wheel, turbine and guide wheel of the hydraulic torque converter are assembled to form an annular cavity. The working fluid circulates within the annular cavity, flowing from the pump wheel to the turbine and then to the guide wheel, and finally back to the pump wheel, forming a vortex.
[0009] Preferably, the structural parameters of the planetary array are in the range of μ = [4, 7].
[0010] The present invention also provides a functional control method for a catapult device based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage as described above, comprising:
[0011] During the energy storage phase, the No. 1 drive shaft is fixed to the planetary carrier, the sun gear is connected to the pump wheel of the hydraulic torque converter, the turbine of the hydraulic torque converter is connected to the No. 1 drive shaft, the sun gear transmits torque and speed at a constant speed, and the lock-up clutch is released.
[0012] During the ejection phase, the second drive shaft is fixedly connected to the gear ring, and the first gear is mounted on the second drive shaft. The second gear meshes with the first gear and is fixedly connected to the winch. The locking clutch connected to the planetary gear ring is closed, the gear ring is connected to the second drive shaft, and the winch drives the moving target to accelerate.
[0013] During the reset phase, the lock-up clutch engages, and the engine starts in reverse until the winch is in place, preparing for the next ejection.
[0014] Therefore, the present invention employs the above-mentioned ejection device and functional control method based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage, and the beneficial technical effects are as follows:
[0015] (1) Simple structure and high stability:
[0016] The device employs a system combining hydraulic reflux transmission and a gear train, with fewer core components and a simpler structure. The main components include a gear train, a hydraulic torque converter, and a cable system. Basic functions are performed by the mechanical and hydraulic systems, minimizing reliance on complex control systems and ensuring operational stability and ease of maintenance.
[0017] (2) High-efficiency transmission and low energy consumption:
[0018] By utilizing gear meshing for most of the power transmission, transmission efficiency is improved, and energy consumption of the device is effectively reduced. Simultaneously, by optimizing the torque ratio, the overall performance and efficiency of the system are further enhanced.
[0019] (3) Flexible transmission and low-speed torque amplification characteristics:
[0020] The flexible transmission characteristics of the hydraulic torque converter reduce operating losses and provide low-speed torque boosting, thus improving energy storage efficiency. Despite the special installation location of the hydraulic torque converter, the power recirculation phenomenon still ensures that the system retains this characteristic.
[0021] (4) Energy storage and power recirculation:
[0022] The hydraulic torque converter stores energy in the form of liquid kinetic energy, and the power recirculation mode further increases the kinetic energy, increases the speed of the pump wheel, turbine and drive shaft, and realizes the ejection energy storage function.
[0023] (5) Buffering function and extended service life:
[0024] The flexible transmission characteristics of the hydraulic torque converter eliminate the need for an additional buffer system throughout the entire operation, reducing wear and tear on various components and extending the device's lifespan. Simultaneously, the device boasts high space utilization, making it suitable for diverse applications such as drone launches and automotive crash tests. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a catapult device based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage according to the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2 This is the arrangement of the traction catapult device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 3 This is the dynamic model of the hydraulic reflux transmission system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 4 This is the original characteristic curve of the YB355A hydraulic torque converter in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 5 The output power and return power in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 6 The acceleration target state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes the acceleration target speed, acceleration, traction force, and rate of change of acceleration; wherein, Figure 6 (a) in the figure shows the relationship between the acceleration target's velocity and time; Figure 6 (b) in the figure shows the relationship between acceleration and time; Figure 6 (c) in the figure represents the relationship between traction force and time. Figure 6 In the figure, (d) represents the curve relating the rate of change of acceleration to time.
[0031] Figure Labels
[0032] 1. Engine; 2. Driveshaft No. 1; 3. Ring gear; 4. Planetary carrier; 5. Sun gear; 6. Lock-up clutch; 7. Torque converter; 701. Pump wheel; 702. Turbine; 703. Guide wheel; 8. Driveshaft No. 2; 9. Gear No. 1; 10. Gear No. 2; 11. Driveshaft No. 3; 12. Winch; 13. Acceleration target; 14. Winch rope. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0034] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.
[0035] Example 1
[0036] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of a catapult device based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage according to the present invention, including a planetary gear set, a hydraulic torque converter 7, and a third drive shaft 11; the hydraulic torque converter 7 includes a turbine 702, a guide wheel 703, and a pump wheel 701; the planetary gear set includes a sun gear 5, a planet carrier 4, and a ring gear 3; the sun gear 5 is mounted on the first drive shaft 2, and the power of the planetary gear set is input from the planet carrier 4 and output from the sun gear 5 and the ring gear 3; the sun gear 5 is connected to the pump wheel 701 of the hydraulic torque converter 7, and the turbine 702 of the hydraulic torque converter 7 is connected to the first drive shaft 2; the planetary gear set and the hydraulic torque converter 7... A power return path is formed, and the power of the hydraulic torque converter 7 returns to the first drive shaft 2; the power of the engine 1 is output from the first drive shaft 2, the second drive shaft 8 is fixedly connected to the gear ring 3, and the first gear 9 is sleeved on the second drive shaft 8. During the launch phase, the power of the transmission system is transmitted from the second drive shaft 8; a lock-up clutch 6 is fixedly connected to the gear ring 3. During the energy storage phase, the lock-up clutch 6 is released, and the gear ring 3 does not output power; during the launch phase, the lock-up clutch 6 is closed, and the power of the gear ring 3 is transmitted from the second drive shaft 8 to the second gear 10 via the first gear 9. The second gear 10 outputs power to the winch 12.
[0037] The diesel engine of a 7t loader was selected as engine 1. By analyzing the acceleration and ejection conditions of target 13, the power variation range and torque variation range of engine 1 and hydraulic transmission system were obtained. Then, the speed ratio of the hydraulic torque converter at the maximum torque point and the optimal operating point of engine 1 was determined. Based on the above method, the YB355A model hydraulic torque converter was selected.
[0038] The efficiency coefficient ε of the YB355A model hydraulic torque converter 7 is... w torque coefficient μ w and energy capacity coefficient ζ w Speed ratio with hydraulic torque converter 7 Relationship such as Figure 4 As shown.
[0039] When engine 1 works in conjunction with the hydraulic reflux transmission system, the speed n of the transmission system driven by engine 1 is... a The load characteristic speed is the same as that of the hydraulic return transmission system, and the torque M of engine 1 is... a The input torque is equal to that of the hydraulic reflux drive system. The load characteristic torque M of the hydraulic reflux drive system is... RT The formula is as follows:
[0040] M a =M RT ;
[0041]
[0042] ζw =γ B ρgD 5 ;
[0043] Where β represents the structural parameters of the planetary gear set; ρ represents the density of the hydraulic oil in the torque converter 7; g represents the acceleration due to gravity; γ B The value represents the torque coefficient of the pump impeller 701 of the hydraulic torque converter 7; D represents the circulation circle diameter of the hydraulic torque converter 7.
[0044] After selecting a suitable single planetary gear set parameter β, the speed ratio of the hydraulic torque converter 7 can be obtained through the matching results of engine 1 and the hydraulic return transmission system. The range of values for .
[0045] During the energy storage phase, the input torque of engine 1 gradually increases, and the speed ratio of hydraulic torque converter 7 can be determined from the value of the input torque. The specific details are determined, and energy is stored during this process. When the speed ratio reaches a certain value, the ejection begins.
[0046] When the energy storage phase transitions to the ejection phase, the hydraulic reflux transmission system begins to output power. At this time, according to... Figure 3 The dynamic model shown, combined with the structural characteristics of a single planetary gear set, yields the relationship between the rotational speed and torque within the hydraulic reflux transmission system, as shown in the following formula:
[0047] n b +β×n c -(1+β)n d =0;
[0048] M b :M c :M d =1:β:-(1+β);
[0049] Where, n b Indicates the rotational speed of the sun gear; n c Indicates the rotational speed of the gear ring; n d Indicates the rotational speed of the planetary carrier; M b M represents the torque of the sun gear; c M represents the gear ring torque; d This indicates the planetary carrier torque.
[0050] Based on the energy conservation within the hydraulic recirculation transmission system, the engine torque M can be obtained. a Sun gear 5 torque M b Planetary carrier 4 torque M d The following relationship exists:
[0051] M a +M d +μ w ×Mb =0;
[0052] By combining the structural characteristic formula of a single planetary gearbox and the energy conservation formula, the ratio σ of the input torque to the output torque can be obtained. io The formula is as follows:
[0053]
[0054] The output torque M can then be achieved by using the gear ring 3. c From the input torque M a Speed ratio of hydraulic torque converter To express.
[0055] During the energy storage phase, the lock-up clutch 6 is disengaged, and the gear ring 3 is not involved in the transmission. Therefore, from the launch phase, the rotational speed of the gear ring 3 begins to increase. Simultaneously with the acceleration target 13 starting to accelerate, the rotational speed n of the gear ring 3 increases. c Start increasing the speed, and determine the rotational speed n of gear ring 3 based on the meshing relationship between gear 1 and gear 2. c The proportional relationship between n and the cable 14 on the winch 12 is obtained. c The output power and return power of the hydraulic reflux drive system are as follows: Figure 5 As shown.
[0056] During the ejection phase, the output of the hydraulic reflux transmission system is the gear ring M. c After being converted into torque M on winch 12 through a certain ratio transformation, e Torque M e The force acts on the accelerating target 13, causing it to launch through a driving force F. The force calculation takes into account the radius L of the winch. The formula is as follows:
[0057]
[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, when launching and accelerating target 13, two winches (i.e., two sets of launch devices) are used simultaneously for propulsion. At this time, the winch 14 and the launch trajectory of the accelerated target 13 have an angle θ. Therefore, the formula is as follows:
[0059]
[0060] Where a represents the acceleration of target 13; θ represents the angle between the winch 14 and the acceleration trajectory of target 13; M represents the mass of target 13; x represents the distance moved by target 13; and b represents half the distance between the two winches.
[0061] The velocity, acceleration, traction force, and rate of change of acceleration of target 13 can be obtained through calculation, such as... Figure 6 As shown.
[0062] Compared to electromagnetic catapults, hydraulic reflux catapults can accelerate more smoothly and evenly when reaching the same speed during final launch, reducing damage to the accelerated target 13 during launch, extending the service life of the catapult equipment, and improving work efficiency.
[0063] It is worth noting that all contents not described in detail in this invention are existing technologies and are well known to those skilled in the art.
[0064] Therefore, the present invention adopts the above-mentioned ejection device and functional control method based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage, which utilizes the principle of hydraulic reflux to realize power reflux for energy storage, and releases the stored energy in a short time during the ejection process, thereby realizing its function of stable acceleration of the target under the premise of small acceleration space.
[0065] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.
Claims
1. A catapult device based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage, characterized in that, The system includes an engine, a hydraulic torque converter, a planetary gear set, a winch, a winch cable, a primary driveshaft, and a lock-up clutch. The engine is connected to the primary driveshaft. The planetary gear set includes a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The hydraulic torque converter includes a turbine, a guide wheel, and a pump wheel. The planet carrier is fixedly connected to the primary driveshaft. The sun gear is connected to the pump wheel of the hydraulic torque converter, and the turbine of the hydraulic torque converter is connected to the primary driveshaft. A lock-up clutch is connected to the ring gear. The gear ring is fixedly connected to the second transmission shaft, and the first gear is sleeved on the second transmission shaft. The first gear meshes with the second gear, and the second gear is fixedly connected to the winch through the third transmission shaft. The pump wheel, turbine and guide wheel of the hydraulic torque converter are assembled to form an annular cavity. The working fluid circulates in the annular cavity, from the pump wheel to the turbine and then to the guide wheel, and finally returns to the pump wheel, forming a vortex. The structural parameters of the planetary array take values in the range of μ=[4,7]; When the engine and the hydraulic recirculation transmission system work together, the engine drives the transmission system at a certain speed. The load characteristic speed is the same as that of the hydraulic recirculation transmission system, and the engine torque is... The input torque is equal to that of the hydraulic reflux drive system; wherein the load characteristic torque of the hydraulic reflux drive system is... The formula is as follows: ; ; ; in, Indicates the structural parameters of the planetary sorting system; This indicates the density of the hydraulic oil in the torque converter; Represents gravitational acceleration; This represents the pump impeller torque coefficient of the hydraulic torque converter; This indicates the diameter of the circulation circle of the hydraulic torque converter; Selecting appropriate single planetary arrangement parameters Then, the speed ratio of the hydraulic torque converter is obtained through the matching results between the engine and the hydraulic recirculation transmission system. The range of values for ; During the energy storage phase, the engine's input torque gradually increases, and the speed ratio of the hydraulic torque converter can be determined from the value of the input torque. The specific details are as follows, and energy is stored during this process; when the speed ratio reaches a certain value, the ejection begins; When the energy storage stage transitions to the launch stage, the hydraulic reflux transmission system begins to output power. Based on the dynamic model and the characteristics of the single planetary gear set structure, the relationship between the rotational speed and torque within the hydraulic reflux transmission system is obtained, as shown in the following formula: ; ; in, Indicates the rotational speed of the sun gear; Indicates the rotational speed of the gear ring; Indicates the rotational speed of the planetary carrier; Indicates the torque of the sun gear; Indicates the gear ring torque; Indicates the planetary carrier torque; The engine torque is obtained from the energy conservation within the hydraulic recirculation transmission system. Sun gear torque Planetary carrier torque The following relationship exists: ; The ratio of input torque to output torque is obtained by combining the structural characteristic formula of a single planetary gearbox and the energy conservation formula. The formula is as follows: ; By outputting torque through the gear ring From input torque Speed ratio of hydraulic torque converter To express.
2. A functional control method for a catapult device based on hydraulic cyclic energy storage as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: During the energy storage phase, the No. 1 drive shaft is fixed to the planetary carrier, the sun gear is connected to the pump wheel of the hydraulic torque converter, the turbine of the hydraulic torque converter is connected to the No. 1 drive shaft, the sun gear transmits torque and speed at a constant speed, and the lock-up clutch is released. During the ejection phase, the second drive shaft is fixedly connected to the gear ring, and the first gear is mounted on the second drive shaft. The second gear meshes with the first gear and is fixedly connected to the winch. The locking clutch connected to the planetary gear ring is closed, the gear ring is connected to the second drive shaft, and the winch drives the moving target to accelerate. During the reset phase, the lock-up clutch engages, and the engine starts in reverse until the winch is in place, preparing for the next ejection.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Energy storage ejection device and energy storage ejection method based on power backflow principle
CN117856526A
Composite hydrodynamic transmission system capable of continuously adjusting capacity coefficient
CN117967752A
