Hydraulic power supply unit for aircraft applications

Abstract

Hydraulic power supply device for providing a working fluid with a controlled flow rate and / or constant pressure level in an aircraft application, comprising at least one motor and at least one pump, wherein the motor is speed-controlled and the pump is a constant-speed pump or wherein the motor is a constant-speed motor and the pump is a variable-speed pump, at least one first and at least one second pump connection, wherein the first pump connection is connectable to at least one load pressure signaling system and the first and second pump connections are connectable to at least one control signal signaling system, characterized in that the load pressure signaling system comprises a device for measuring the output pressure of the constant-speed pump and that the control signal signaling system comprises a device for detecting the control signal of at least one consumer.the rotational speed of the constant pump is adjustable depending on the output pressure and / or the control signal.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hydraulic power supply device for providing a working fluid with a controlled volume flow and / or constant pressure level in an aircraft application, comprising at least one speed-controlled motor, at least one constant-speed pump, at least one first and at least one second pump connection, wherein the first pump connection is connectable to a load pressure signaling system and the first and second pump connections are connectable to a control signal signaling system.

[0002] The invention further relates to an electro-hydraulic drive unit with at least one corresponding hydraulic power supply device.

[0003] This invention implements a hydraulic "power pack" in such a way that it can supply both a hydraulic system with constant pressure and supply one or more individual consumers with controlled flow rates.

[0004] Prior art hydraulic systems are known in which several consumers are supplied by a "power pack" operating at a constant pressure (reference A). Multiple consumers can operate simultaneously by using independent valves and controllers to convert the power from the hydraulic system into power at the consumers or to direct the working fluid accordingly. In a first implementation of these "power packs," pumps with a rotary disc are typically driven by a motor at a constant speed, and the consumption is regulated by the angle of the rotary disc and thus by the displacement volume.

[0005] A second variant of this implementation is the use of a pump with a constant displacement volume and a sensor to measure the system pressure, whereby the rotational speed of the pump is controlled by a controller so that the pressure remains constant.

[0006] With this solution, one or more pumps can operate one or more consumers simultaneously, for reasons of redundancy or due to the distribution of the various consumers.

[0007] These two variants are in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown as examples, whereby the following devices or corresponding actuators are possible as consumers: The nose and / or main landing gear including flap actuators, the high-lift system, especially for flaps and slats, cargo and passenger doors, thrust reversers, normal brakes and emergency brakes, lift control devices such as spoilers and ground spoilers, primary flight controls such as elevators, rudder or ailerons, steering systems, controls and / or similar components are in question.

[0008] As an alternative to the above variants, the hydraulic flow or working fluid can be supplied to a consumer by using a pump with a fixed displacement and variable speed (Reference B). The pump speed determines the flow rate and also the rate at which the consumer moves. This solution can supply both a single consumer, such as electrohydraulic actuators (EHA), and multiple consumers, such as the ESTER (Electro-Hydraulic Steering, Extension and Retraction System) known from DE 10 2017 003 153 A1.

[0009] In this solution, one or more pumps can actuate one or more consumers simultaneously (if they are to be actuated in the same direction) or sequentially, either for redundancy reasons or due to the distribution of the various consumers. The devices or corresponding actuators described above can also be used in this variant.

[0010] The disadvantage of systems operating according to reference A is that the hydraulic system remains pressurized, leading to high energy consumption due to internal leakage, which is converted into heat. Consumers may be oversized and must reduce the pressure by throttling to achieve the required actuation rates, which in turn increases energy consumption. This is the case, for example, when extending the landing gear.

[0011] When using a system according to reference B to supply a consumer, the disadvantage is that each consumer needs its own pump, which leads to higher weight and greater complexity.

[0012] In an application with multiple consumers, the disadvantage is that they cannot be operated simultaneously and independently, since the pump's direction of rotation and speed determine the direction and rate of operation.

[0013] DE 10 2016 224 219 A1 discloses a fluid pressure pump with an opening plate in which a fluid channel is formed; a cylinder block containing a cylinder chamber that can communicate with the fluid channel in the opening plate and in which a piston is housed; and pressing means that exert a pressing force on the cylinder block, pressing the cylinder block against the opening plate. The pressing means include changing means that modify the pressing force.

[0014] EP 2 740 944 A2 discloses a redundant EHA system for a chassis in which several parallel hydraulic sources, each with only one pump and only one electric motor, sequentially supply the actuators with operating oil; if one source fails, the remaining sources continue to sequentially supply the hydraulic fluid.

[0015] From EP 3 018 053 ​​A1, systems and methods for controlling wings, in particular wingtips, to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of aircraft are known.

[0016] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a solution in which the same pump can operate both as a constant pressure pump and as a pump with controlled flow rate. The consumers are then distributed in such a way that the advantages of both options (constant pressure or controlled / regulated flow rate) can be exploited.

[0017] This problem is solved according to the invention by a hydraulic energy supply device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0018] Accordingly, a hydraulic power supply device is provided for the provision of a pressurized working fluid, whereby the working fluid can be provided with a controlled volume flow and / or constant pressure level to an aircraft application.

[0019] The power supply unit comprises at least one motor and at least one pump, wherein the motor is speed-controlled and the pump is a constant-speed pump, or wherein the motor is a constant-speed motor and the pump is a variable-speed pump. The power supply unit further comprises at least one first and at least one second pump connection, wherein the first pump connection is connectable to at least one load pressure signaling system, and the first and second pump connections are connectable to at least one control signal signaling system.

[0020] The load pressure signaling system comprises at least one device for measuring the outlet pressure of the constant-displacement pump, and the control signal signaling system comprises at least one device for acquiring the control signal of at least one consumer that can be coupled to the control signal signaling system, wherein the rotational speed of the constant-displacement pump is adjustable depending on the outlet pressure and / or the control signal. The device for measuring the outlet pressure of the constant-displacement pump can also be provided directly on the power supply unit.

[0021] To adjust the rotational speed, a suitable control system can be provided, which can utilize the device for measuring the output pressure and / or the device for acquiring the control signal. Based on the information obtained, the rotational speed of the constant-displacement pump, or correspondingly the rotational speed of the motor, can be adjusted.

[0022] The power supply unit can be used, in particular, for the alternative supply of the load pressure signaling system and the control signal signaling system, utilizing the output pressure of the constant-pressure pump and / or the control signal from the consumer to adjust the rotational speed of the constant-pressure pump. Advantageously, this allows for a flexible approach to the system architecture design and enables the hydraulic power supply unit to be used to supply different combinations of consumers.

[0023] The terms load pressure signaling system and control signal signaling system can refer to systems that are separate from the power supply unit but at least hydraulically coupled to it, each with at least one consumer. These terms can also refer to systems that are integrated with the power supply unit, i.e., coupled to it not only hydraulically but also mechanically.

[0024] The energy supply device according to the invention enables operating phase-dependent control of the pressure level and the volume flow.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a device for setting a target pressure is provided. Accordingly, for example, the load pressure sensing system can both specify a target pressure and detect the output pressure of the constant-displacement pump. Both pressures can be made available to the control system and used to adjust the rotational speed of the constant-displacement pump. The target pressure can be varied manually or automatically, for example, depending on different consumers or their movements.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that a reservoir is provided which is connected to both pump connections. The two pump connections can each comprise a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The reservoir can be connected to or connectable with the pump inlet and / or with the pump outlet.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the load pressure signaling system can be connected to the power supply unit via a first auxiliary line in addition to the first pump connection, and / or that the control signal signaling system can be connected to the power supply unit via a second auxiliary line in addition to the second pump connection. In the case of the first pump connection, it is conceivable that this connection comprises a single pump inlet or outlet, or that it comprises either a pump inlet or an outlet, with the other function being fulfilled by the first auxiliary line. Accordingly, the first auxiliary line can function at least partially as a pump inlet or outlet.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that at least one of the additional lines can be coupled to the reservoir.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that at least one of the auxiliary lines can be connected to a pump line, i.e., the pump discharge or pump supply line, via a valve, in particular an anti-cavitation valve and / or suction valve and / or check valve. The term "pump line" here refers to a line that leads to or from the pump.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that the two auxiliary lines can be connected to different pump lines. If both auxiliary lines are connected to the pump lines, one auxiliary line can be connected to the pump inlet and the other auxiliary line to the pump outlet.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that a device for measuring the output pressure is provided directly in the area of ​​a pump outlet.

[0032] The invention further relates to an electrohydraulic drive unit or an electrohydraulic actuator with at least one hydraulic power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The electrohydraulic drive unit comprises at least one load pressure sensing system and at least one control signal sensing system. The two systems can be configured as described above in connection with the hydraulic power supply unit.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that the load pressure signaling system and the control signal signaling system are coupled to different consumers. Each of the systems can couple one or more consumers to the hydraulic power supply unit.

[0034] Further details and advantages of the invention are explained with reference to the embodiments shown by way of example in the figures. These show: Fig. 1-4: hydraulic power supply system in accordance with the state of the art; and Fig. 5: a hydraulic energy supply device according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show hydraulic energy supply devices known from the prior art in different variants.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which an asynchronous motor drives a variable displacement pump to supply a pressure fluid or working fluid. The asynchronous motor can be supplied with electrical energy via an AC bus line. The variable displacement pump can generate an output pressure of, for example, 3000 psig or approximately 207 bar. The pump outlet can be connected to the pump inlet via a pressure relief valve or a safety valve. A filter and / or an outlet check valve can be provided between the pump and a consumer. The line between the pump and the consumer can also be connected to a high-pressure accumulator or reservoir. The accumulator can be connected between the outlet check valve and the consumer via the corresponding line. Consumers include, for example, the landing gear, the high-lift system, cargo and passenger doors, thrust reversers, brakes, spoilers, primary flight controls, etc.Primary flight controls, steering systems, control systems and / or similar or corresponding actuators are in question.

[0037] After the working fluid has flowed through the consumer, it can flow back to the pump via a reservoir. A connection for the safety valve can be provided between the reservoir and the pump.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a second variant of the in Fig. 1 constant pressure system shown. In contrast to the one shown in Fig. The version shown in 1 is the engine that is in the Fig. The second embodiment shown uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor, and the pump is a constant-displacement pump. The permanent magnet synchronous motor is controlled by a corresponding motor control unit (MCE), which varies the motor's rotational speed based on the pump's output pressure detected by a sensor.

[0039] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows electrohydraulic systems known from the outset. In each case, a permanent magnet synchronous motor is coupled to a bidirectional constant-displacement pump. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 Three lines lead to a consumer, which may be landing gear actuators, loading and passenger doors and / or thrust reversal devices.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. In contrast, in 4 there are only two lines from the "Power Pack" to a consumer, which may be, for example, a high-lift system.

[0041] Fig.Figure 5 shows a hydraulic power supply device 1 according to the invention for providing a working fluid or pressure fluid with a controlled volume flow and constant pressure level in an aircraft application. It is conceivable to provide a pressure fluid with a controlled volume flow and / or a pressure fluid with a constant pressure level. The respective supply can take place at different pump connections 11, 12. The power supply device 1 comprises at least one speed-controlled motor 2, which can be a permanent magnet synchronous motor 2. The motor 2 is coupled to and drives at least one constant-speed pump 3. The constant-speed pump 3 can be a bidirectional constant-speed pump 3. The motor 2 is controlled / regulated by a motor control unit (MCE), which can be connected to other systems, such as the on-board computer of an aircraft, via a BUS supply (Aircraft BUS Supply) 400.The energy supply unit 1 comprises at least one first pump connection 11 and at least one second pump connection 12. The first pump connection 11 can be coupled to a load pressure signaling system 100 and the second pump connection 12 can be coupled to a control signal signaling system 200.

[0042] The load pressure signaling system 100 comprises a device 101 for measuring the output pressure of the constant-pressure pump 3, and the control signal signaling system 200 comprises a device for detecting the control signal of at least one consumer 202, 203. The device for detecting the control signal is shown with reference numeral 300. The rotational speed of the constant-pressure pump 3 is adjustable depending on the output pressure and / or the control signal. For this purpose, the devices for measuring the output or for detecting the control signal can be coupled to the motor electronics MCE. The load pressure signaling system 100 can include a device for setting a target pressure or a setpoint pressure at a consumer 102 coupled to the load pressure signaling system 100. Consumers 102, 202, 203 of the two reporting systems 100, 200 can be any consumers mentioned in connection with the state of the art.

[0043] The power supply unit 1 can include a reservoir 4 connected to both pump connections. The pump connections here refer to the inlet or pump supply line 31 and the outlet or pump discharge 32 of the pump 3. In the case of a bidirectional pump 3, the functions of the inlet 31 and the outlet 32 ​​can, of course, be reversible.

[0044] It may be provided that the load pressure signaling system 100 can be connected to the power supply unit or to pump 3 via a first auxiliary line 13 in addition to the first pump connection 11. The control signal signaling system 200 can be connected to the power supply unit 1 or to pump 3 via a second auxiliary line 14 in addition to the second pump connection 12.

[0045] The term pump connections 11, 12 can refer to interfaces or connections for connecting the pump 3 to the alarm systems 100, 200 or to corresponding consumers 102, 202, 203.

[0046] At least one of the auxiliary lines 13, 14 can be connected to the reservoir 4. Thus, the reservoir 4 can be filled with the pressure fluid via the auxiliary lines 13, 14, or conversely, fluid from the reservoir 4 can be supplied to the consumers 102, 202, 203 via the auxiliary lines 13, 14. At least one of the auxiliary lines 13, 14 can be connected to one of the pump lines 31, 32 via at least one valve 15, 16, in particular an anti-cavitation valve and / or suction valve and / or check valve. In this case, fluid can be supplied to the pump 3 via the auxiliary lines 13, 14 and the valves 15, 16. The valves 15, 16 can be arranged such that no fluid can be directed from the pump 3 into the auxiliary lines 13, 14.

[0047] If both auxiliary lines 13, 14 are connected to a pump line 31, 32, one of the auxiliary lines 13, 14 can be connected to the pump supply line 31 while the other auxiliary line 13, 14 is connected to the pump outlet 32. Pressure regulating valves and / or spool valves can be provided in the signaling systems 100, 200 to control the respective consumers 102, 202, 203.

Claims

[1] Hydraulic power supply device for providing a working fluid with a controlled flow rate and / or constant pressure level in an aircraft application, comprising at least one motor and at least one pump, wherein the motor is speed-controlled and the pump is a constant-speed pump or wherein the motor is a constant-speed motor and the pump is a variable-speed pump, at least one first and at least one second pump port, wherein the first pump port is connectable to at least one load pressure signaling system and the first and second pump ports are connectable to at least one control signal signaling system, characterized by, that the load pressure reporting system includes a device for measuring the output pressure of the constant pump and that the control signal reporting system includes a device for detecting the control signal of at least one consumer, wherein the rotational speed of the constant pump is adjustable depending on the output pressure and / or the control signal. [2] Hydraulic power supply device according to claim 1, characterized by that a device for setting a target pressure is provided. [3] Hydraulic power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a reservoir is provided which is connected to both pump connections. [4] Hydraulic power supply device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by, that the load pressure signaling system can be connected to the power supply unit via a first additional line in addition to the first pump connection and / or that the control signal signaling system can be connected to the power supply unit via a second additional line in addition to the second pump connection. [5] Hydraulic power supply device at least according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by that one of the additional lines can be connected to the reservoir. [6] Hydraulic power supply device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that at least one of the auxiliary lines can be coupled to a pump line via a valve, in particular an anti-cavitation valve and / or suction valve and / or check valve. [7] Hydraulic power supply device according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized by that the two additional lines can be connected to different pump lines. [8] Hydraulic power supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a device for measuring the outlet pressure is provided directly in the area of ​​a pump outlet. [9] Electro-hydraulic drive unit with at least one hydraulic power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that it includes at least one load pressure reporting system and at least one control signal reporting system. [10] Electro-hydraulic drive unit according to claim 9, characterized by that the load pressure reporting system and the control signal reporting system are coupled with different consumers.

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