An underwater machine and an oil circuit control system and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides an oil circuit control system, comprising a control unit, a reciprocating plunger pump unit and a driving unit, the reciprocating plunger pump unit comprises two or more reciprocating plunger pumps, each of the reciprocating plunger pumps comprises a cylinder and a plunger, the cylinder is provided with an oil inlet and an oil outlet, each of the oil outlets is connected with a control valve, the control valves are signal connected with the control unit, and the control valves are provided with a first outlet end and a second outlet end, the first outlet end is used for communicating with an actuator, and the second outlet end and each oil inlet are used for communicating with an oil source tank; the driving unit is signal connected with the control unit and is drivingly connected with the reciprocating plunger pumps. The reciprocating plunger pump unit can simultaneously convey multiple oil sources, meets different oil source requirements of each actuator, and the oil circuit is simple and clear; the opening and closing of each first outlet end and second outlet end can be controlled through the control unit, and the differentiated requirements during operation of each actuator are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil supply control technology, specifically to an underwater machine and its oil circuit control system and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic technology has the advantages of high power density and easy pressure compensation, and is widely used in various marine exploration and operation equipment such as ROV, AUV, manned submersible, deep-sea trenching machine, mining machine, cable laying machine, deep-sea oil exploration and extraction equipment, and deep-sea maintenance equipment. These marine equipment generally use hydraulic drive to achieve their operation tasks.

[0003] The types of operations that underwater equipment is being assigned are becoming increasingly complex and diverse. During operation, multiple oil sources are required. The oil circuit system using conventional hydraulic pumps is not only complex and costly, but also occupies a lot of space and is heavy, which cannot meet the high weight and space requirements of underwater equipment such as ROVs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an underwater machine and its oil circuit control system and control method, which solves the problem that the oil circuit system using conventional hydraulic pumps is not only complex in structure and costly, but also occupies a large space and is heavy, and cannot meet the high requirements of underwater equipment such as ROV for weight and space.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution used in this invention is as follows:

[0006] The present invention discloses an oil circuit control system, comprising a control unit, a reciprocating plunger pump unit, and a drive unit. The reciprocating plunger pump unit comprises two or more reciprocating plunger pumps. Each plunger module includes a cylinder and a plunger slidably connected to the cylinder. The cylinder is provided with an oil inlet and an oil outlet. Each oil outlet is connected to a control valve. The control valve is signal-connected to the control unit. The control valve is provided with a first outlet end and a second outlet end. The first outlet end is used to communicate with an actuator. The second outlet end and each oil inlet are used to communicate with an oil source tank corresponding to the actuator.

[0007] The drive unit is signal-connected to the control unit and is drive-connected to the reciprocating plunger pump.

[0008] Preferably, the reciprocating piston pump has at least three sets.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the chambers of each reciprocating plunger pump are not interconnected.

[0010] Preferably, the drive unit is a motor, and the motor is connected to the plunger of the reciprocating plunger pump via a coupling.

[0011] More preferably, the motor is equipped with a frequency converter, and the frequency converter is signal-connected to the control unit.

[0012] More preferably, the control unit has a preset first program, and the frequency converter controls the operating state of the motor according to the first program.

[0013] Preferably, the control unit has a preset second program, which is used to control the opening and closing states of the first outlet end and the second outlet end of the control valve.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an oil circuit control method, based on the aforementioned oil circuit control system, comprising:

[0015] Identify the implementing agencies that need to be operated;

[0016] A first instruction is input to the control unit. After receiving the first instruction, the control unit sends a first action signal to the control valve corresponding to the actuator to be operated, and controls the first outlet end of the control valve to open and the second outlet end to close.

[0017] A third instruction is input to the control unit to control the drive unit to start running.

[0018] Preferred options also include:

[0019] Identify the implementing agencies that need to be shut down;

[0020] A second instruction is input to the control unit. After receiving the second instruction, the control unit sends a second action signal to the control valve corresponding to the actuator that needs to be stopped, thereby controlling the first outlet end of the control valve to close and the second outlet end to open.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an underwater machine, including at least two actuators and at least two oil source tanks, wherein the underwater machine is equipped with the aforementioned oil circuit control system, wherein the oil source tanks are respectively connected to the corresponding oil inlet and the second outlet end of the control valve, the actuators are connected to the corresponding first outlet end of the control valve, and the oil circuit control system operates by the aforementioned oil circuit control method.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the main advantages of the oil circuit control system described in this invention are as follows:

[0023] In this invention, the drive unit can be used to drive the reciprocating plunger pump. Each plunger module in the reciprocating plunger pump is equipped with an oil inlet and an oil outlet. The second outlet end and each oil inlet are connected to the oil source tank corresponding to the actuator. Each oil outlet is connected to the corresponding actuator via the control valve. The operation of the plunger module allows the corresponding oil source to be drawn into the cylinder through the oil inlet and output from the cylinder through the oil outlet to the corresponding actuator or back to the oil source tank, forming a complete oil circuit. Thus, the reciprocating plunger pump unit can simultaneously deliver multiple oil sources to meet the different oil source requirements of each actuator, and the oil circuit structure is simple and clear. Furthermore, the modular manufacturing of the plunger module facilitates maintenance and replacement.

[0024] After the control valve is connected to the control unit, the control unit can control the opening and closing of the first outlet and the second outlet of each control valve to meet the differentiated requirements of each actuator for oil source delivery status during operation.

[0025] Furthermore, the reciprocating piston pump unit itself has a large power-to-weight ratio, which can greatly reduce the installation space and ensure a high power-to-weight ratio of the oil circuit control system, meeting the high requirements of underwater equipment for weight and space. Therefore, it can solve the problem that the oil circuit system using conventional hydraulic pumps is not only complex in structure and costly, but also occupies a large space and is heavy, which cannot meet the high requirements of underwater equipment such as ROV for weight and space.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, the main advantages of the underwater machine described in this invention are as follows:

[0027] The underwater machine of this invention can simultaneously provide multiple oil sources through a single reciprocating plunger pump unit, and has a high power-to-weight ratio, which is beneficial for the spatial arrangement and weight control of the underwater machine. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clearer through a more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings, and the drawings are not intentionally drawn to scale with actual dimensions; the focus is on illustrating the gist of the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an oil circuit control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure description: Control unit 1, reciprocating plunger pump unit 2, plunger module group 201, oil inlet 3, oil outlet 4, control valve 5, first outlet end 6, second outlet end 7, actuator 8, oil source tank 9, motor 10. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present invention and implement it. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. In this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that when one element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to and integrated with the other element, or there may be an intervening element present. The terms "mounted," "one end," "the other end," and similar expressions used in this invention are for illustrative purposes only.

[0033] This embodiment provides an oil circuit control system, such as Figure 1As shown, the system includes a control unit 1, a reciprocating piston pump unit 2, and a drive unit. The reciprocating piston pump unit 2 includes two or more reciprocating piston pumps 201. Each reciprocating piston pump 201 includes a cylinder (not shown in the figure) and a piston (not shown in the figure) that is slidably connected to the cylinder. The cylinder is provided with an oil inlet 3 and an oil outlet 4. Each oil outlet 4 is connected to a control valve 5. The control valves 5 are all signal-connected to the control unit 1. The control valves 5 are provided with a first outlet end 6 and a second outlet end 7. The first outlet end 6 is used to communicate with an actuator 8. The second outlet end 7 and each oil inlet 3 are used to communicate with an oil source tank 9 corresponding to the actuator 8. The drive unit is signal-connected to the control unit 1 and is drive-connected to the reciprocating piston pump. Multiple reciprocating piston pumps 201 are independently set up, and multiple reciprocating piston pumps 201 can perform different actions simultaneously; in this way, multiple reciprocating piston pumps 201 can be controlled to supply oil to the corresponding actuator 8 at the same time; multiple reciprocating piston pumps 201 can be controlled to return oil to the corresponding oil source tank 9 at the same time; and some reciprocating piston pumps 201 can be controlled to supply oil to the corresponding actuator 8 while some reciprocating piston pumps 201 return oil to the corresponding oil source tank 9. In this invention, a reciprocating plunger pump 201 can be driven by a drive unit. Each cylinder of the reciprocating plunger pump 201 is provided with an oil inlet 3 and an oil outlet 4. The second outlet end 7 and each oil inlet 3 are used to connect to the oil source tank 9 corresponding to the actuator 8. Each oil outlet 4 is connected to the corresponding actuator 8 through a control valve 5. By operating the reciprocating plunger pump 201, the corresponding oil source can be drawn into the cylinder through the oil inlet 3 and output from the cylinder through the oil outlet 4 to the corresponding actuator 8 or flow back to the oil source tank 9, forming a complete oil circuit. In this way, the reciprocating plunger pump unit 2 can deliver multiple oil sources at the same time to meet the different oil source requirements of each actuator 8, and the oil circuit structure is simple and clear. At the same time, the plunger module group 201 is manufactured modularly, which facilitates maintenance and replacement.

[0034] After the control valve 5 is connected to the control unit 1, the control unit 1 can control the opening and closing of the first outlet end 6 and the second outlet end 7 of each control valve 5, thus meeting the differentiated requirements of each actuator 8 for the oil source delivery status during operation.

[0035] Furthermore, reciprocating piston pumps have a high power-to-weight ratio, which can greatly reduce the installation space and ensure a high power-to-weight ratio for the oil circuit control system. This meets the high weight and space requirements of underwater equipment, thus solving the problem of oil circuit systems using conventional hydraulic pumps, which are not only complex and costly, but also occupy a large space and are heavy, failing to meet the high weight and space requirements of underwater equipment such as ROVs.

[0036] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the oil source tank 9 is used to store oil sources. The type of oil source in each oil source tank 9 can be the same or different depending on the needs of its corresponding actuator 8. It can be oil or other types of flowable liquid.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, there are at least three sets of reciprocating piston pumps 201. By increasing the number of reciprocating piston pumps, each pump is responsible for an independent oil circuit, enabling simultaneous oil supply to different actuators and thus achieving multi-tasking operation. The chambers of the reciprocating piston pumps 201 are not interconnected, allowing each pump to operate independently and achieving oil source isolation. This prevents cross-contamination when using different types of oil sources.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the drive unit is a motor 10, which is connected to the reciprocating plunger pump via a coupling (not shown in the figure). Specifically, the drive unit is connected to the crankshaft via the coupling, and multiple transmission components are provided on the crankshaft. The multiple transmission components are at an angle to each other, and each transmission component is connected to a plunger via a connecting rod. The transmission components are cranks or eccentric wheels, and the three transmission components are at a 120° angle to each other. When the drive unit drives the crankshaft to rotate, it drives the plunger to reciprocate in sequence according to the phase difference of the multiple transmission components.

[0039] Furthermore, the motor 10 is equipped with a frequency converter (not shown in the figure), which is signal-connected to the control unit 1. Thus, the control unit 1 can control the frequency converter to change the speed of the motor 10, thereby changing the speed and output flow of the reciprocating piston pump. Compared to conventional variable displacement pumps that change the output flow by hydraulic or electro-hydraulic control methods to alter the input / output or the tilt angle of the distribution plate, the reciprocating piston pump in this embodiment is directly connected to multiple oil sources. Controlling the motor 10 speed via the frequency converter to change the output flow is more direct and faster, and controlling the output state by controlling the control valve 5 further enhances reliability. Specifically, the control unit 1 has a preset first program, and the frequency converter controls the operating state of the motor 10 according to this program.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the control unit 1 is pre-programmed with a second program, which controls the opening and closing states of the first outlet 6 and the second outlet 7 of the control valve 5. Specifically, after receiving a first instruction, the second program sends a first action signal to the control valve 5. The control valve 5 closes its first outlet 6 and opens its second outlet 7 according to the first action signal. At this time, the oil source will flow back to the corresponding oil source tank 9, so that the oil source circuit is in a return state. After receiving a second instruction, the second program sends a second action signal to the control valve 5. The control valve 5 opens its first outlet 6 and closes its second outlet 7 according to the second action signal. At this time, the oil source will be injected into the corresponding actuator 8, so that the oil source circuit is in a supply state.

[0041] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned oil circuit control system, an oil circuit control method is also provided, comprising:

[0042] Identify the 8 implementing agencies that need to be operated;

[0043] The first instruction is input to the control unit 1. After receiving the first instruction, the control unit 1 sends a first action signal to the control valve 5 corresponding to the actuator 8 to be operated, and controls the first outlet end of the control valve 5 to open and the second outlet end to close.

[0044] The third command is input to the control unit 1 to control the drive unit to start running, which in turn can start the selected actuator 8 to run.

[0045] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0046] Identify 8 implementing agencies that need to be shut down;

[0047] The control unit 1 receives a second instruction and sends a second action signal to the control valve 5 corresponding to the actuator 8 that needs to be stopped. The control valve 5 closes its first outlet and opens its second outlet, thereby stopping the selected actuator 8.

[0048] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned oil circuit control system and control method, an embodiment of an underwater machine is also provided. This embodiment includes at least two actuators 8 and at least two oil source tanks 9. The underwater machine is equipped with the aforementioned oil circuit control system. The oil source tanks 9 are respectively connected to the corresponding oil inlet 3 and the second outlet 7 of the control valve 5. The actuators 8 are connected to the first outlet 6 of the corresponding control valve 5, and the oil circuit control system operates through the aforementioned oil circuit control method. This embodiment of the underwater machine can simultaneously provide multiple oil sources through a single reciprocating plunger pump unit 2, and has a high power-to-weight ratio, which is beneficial for the spatial arrangement and weight control of the underwater machine. Moreover, the control method is simple and easy to operate.

[0049] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "preferred embodiment," "another embodiment," "other embodiment," or "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0051] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An oil circuit control system, characterized in that: The system includes a control unit, a reciprocating piston pump unit, and a drive unit. The reciprocating piston pump unit comprises two or more reciprocating piston pumps. Each reciprocating piston pump includes a cylinder and a piston slidably connected to the cylinder. The cylinder has an inlet and an outlet. Each outlet is connected to a control valve, which is signal-connected to the control unit. Each control valve has a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is used to communicate with an actuator, and the second outlet and each inlet are used to communicate with an oil source tank corresponding to the actuator. Each reciprocating piston pump corresponds to one oil source tank, and the types of oil in each tank are different. The cavities of each reciprocating piston pump are not interconnected. The reciprocating piston pump unit can simultaneously deliver multiple oil sources. The reciprocating piston pump draws the corresponding oil source into the cylinder through the inlet and outputs it from the cylinder through the outlet to the corresponding actuator or back to the oil source tank. The drive unit is signal-connected to the control unit and drively connected to the reciprocating piston pumps.

2. The oil circuit control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reciprocating piston pump has at least three sets.

3. The oil circuit control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive unit is an electric motor, and the electric motor is connected to the plunger of the reciprocating plunger pump via a coupling.

4. The oil circuit control system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The motor is equipped with a frequency converter, which is signal-connected to the control unit.

5. The oil circuit control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit is pre-programmed with a first program, and the frequency converter controls the operating state of the motor according to the first program.

6. The oil circuit control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is pre-programmed with a second program, which is used to control the opening and closing states of the first and second outlet ends of the control valve.

7. A method for controlling an oil circuit, characterized in that: An oil circuit control system based on any one of claims 1 to 6 includes: Identify the implementing agencies that need to be operated; A first instruction is input to the control unit. After receiving the first instruction, the control unit sends a first action signal to the control valve corresponding to the actuator to be operated, controlling the first outlet end of the control valve to open and the second outlet end to close. Each reciprocating plunger pump corresponds to an oil source tank, and the types of oil sources in each oil source tank are different. The cavities of each reciprocating plunger pump are not interconnected. The reciprocating plunger pump unit can deliver multiple oil sources simultaneously. The reciprocating plunger pump draws the corresponding oil source into the cylinder through the oil inlet and outputs it from the cylinder through the oil outlet to the corresponding actuator. A third command is input to the control unit to control the drive unit to start running.

8. The oil circuit control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Identify the implementing agencies that need to be shut down; A second instruction is input to the control unit. After receiving the second instruction, the control unit sends a second action signal to the control valve corresponding to the actuator that needs to be stopped, thereby controlling the first outlet end of the control valve to close and the second outlet end to open.

9. An underwater machine, comprising at least two actuators and at least two fuel tanks, characterized in that: The underwater machine is equipped with an oil circuit control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the oil source tank is connected to the corresponding oil inlet and the second outlet of the control valve, the actuator is connected to the first outlet of the corresponding control valve, and the oil circuit control system operates by an oil circuit control method as described in claim 7 or 8.

Images