Actuating system comprising a stable balance positioning device and method for positioning the system in a state of stable equilibrium

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating system (2) comprising an actuator comprising a servo-cylinder (4), the servo-cylinder (4) having a rod (10) provided with a piston (12), the actuator having a device (14) for positioning the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4) in a predefined state of stable equilibrium, the device (14) having a cylinder (16) provided with a rod (18) mechanically secured to the rod (10) of the servo-cylinder (4), the cylinder (16) comprising a piston (20) mounted on the rod (18) of the cylinder (16) in such a way as to define, on either side of the piston (20) in the cylinder (16), a first chamber subjected to a first pressure and a second chamber subjected to a second pressure, the first and second chambers being configured to contain a fluid and the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4) being configured to be positioned in the predefined state of stable equilibrium when the first and second pressures are equal.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Actuation system comprising a device for placing the system in a stable equilibrium position and method for placing the system in a stable equilibrium position.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an actuation system comprising an actuator comprising a servo-cylinder and a device for placing a piston of the servo-cylinder in a stable equilibrium position.

[0005] In particular, the present invention makes it possible to place the piston in a stable equilibrium position, for example a position corresponding to a safe state of the actuation system and of an actuated system, in particular in the event of loss of control of the servo-cylinder.

[0006] Generally speaking, the present invention applies to any actuation system comprising a cylinder provided with a piston.

[0007] Previous techniques

[0008] In order to be able to position a piston of a hydraulic cylinder of an actuation system in a stable equilibrium position during an incident, the actuation system generally comprises a means for placing the piston of the cylinder in abutment, for example against one of the ends of the cylinder. The abutment means generally comprises a spring acting on a rod of the cylinder so as to place the piston in abutment in the cylinder during a loss of control of the cylinder. In particular, the spring exerts a continuous force on the piston, in particular against the movement of the piston. The actuation system must compensate for the force of the spring, thus degrading the efficiency of the actuation system.

[0009] Another solution for positioning the cylinder piston in a stable equilibrium position is to modify the setting of a fluid supply means to the cylinder. For example, the fluid supply to the cylinder can be modified so as to supply more fluid to a chamber of the cylinder. Thus, the piston is placed in a stop position. Another disadvantage of a stop means as described above is the impossibility of placing the cylinder in an intermediate position, the intermediate position being on the stroke of the piston between stop positions of the cylinder.

[0010] Known solutions for achieving intermediate stable equilibrium positions involve the implementation of complex arrangements that are detrimental to the actuation system. In addition, these solutions do not allow a stable equilibrium position of the cylinder in all intermediate positions.

[0011] Statement of the invention

[0012] The present invention therefore aims to overcome all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks and proposes an actuation system comprising a servo-cylinder and a device for placing a piston of the servo-cylinder in a predefined stable equilibrium position.

[0013] The present invention relates to an actuation system comprising an actuator comprising a servo-cylinder, the servo-cylinder comprising a rod provided with a piston, the actuator comprising a device for placing the piston of the servo-cylinder in a predefined stable equilibrium position, the device comprising a cylinder provided with a rod mechanically secured to the rod of the servo-cylinder, the cylinder comprising a piston mounted on the rod of the cylinder so as to define on either side of the piston in the cylinder a first chamber subjected to a first pressure and a second chamber subjected to a second pressure, the first and second chambers being configured to contain a fluid, the piston of the servo-cylinder being configured to be positioned in the predefined stable equilibrium position when the first and second pressures are equal.

[0014] Thus, the present invention allows the servo-cylinder piston to be placed in any predefined position of the stroke of said piston. The present invention allows the servo-cylinder piston to be placed in a predefined stable equilibrium position by returning said piston to the position defined in the design of the stable equilibrium positioning device. The present invention also allows increased fault tolerance of the actuation system.

[0015] Advantageously, the actuation system comprises fluid supply means configured to supply the actuator with fluid.

[0016] Preferably, the servo actuator comprises a servo valve, the actuator comprising an electrohydraulic selector configured to interrupt a fluid supply provided to the servo valve in the event of unwanted behavior.

[0017] Advantageously, the cylinder comprises a first inlet for the fluid in the first chamber and a second inlet for the fluid in the second chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the actuator includes a fluid outlet positioned between the first and second inlets and sized to allow fluid from the first and second inlets to pass through the outlet when the piston of the servo actuator is in the predefined stable equilibrium position.

[0019] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet positioned at different locations longitudinally between the first and second inlets and sized such that the first outlet passes fluid from the first inlet and the second outlet passes fluid from the second inlet when the piston of the servo actuator is in the predefined stable equilibrium position.

[0020] Advantageously, the actuator comprises a position sensor for the piston of the servo-cylinder.

[0021] Preferably, the actuation system comprises a computer configured to detect a failure of the servo-actuator.

[0022] In one embodiment, the area of ​​a cross-section of the piston of the actuator is less than the area of ​​a cross-section of the piston of the servo actuator.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a method for placing a servo-cylinder of an actuation system in a predefined stable equilibrium position, comprising the following steps: Interrupting a fluid supply supplied to a servovalve of the servo-cylinder in the event of undesired behavior;

[0024] Fluid supply to the cylinder of the device for setting the servo cylinder piston in a predefined stable equilibrium position;

[0025] Translation of the servo-actuator to the predefined stable equilibrium position; and

[0026] Maintaining the servo cylinder piston in a predefined stable equilibrium position, the first and second pressures being equal.

[0027] Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Other objectives, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0029] [Fig 1] schematically illustrates an actuation system according to the invention;

[0030] [Fig 2] schematically illustrates a device for placing an actuation system according to the invention in a predefined stable equilibrium position in a stable equilibrium position;

[0031] [Fig 3] schematically illustrates a device for placing an actuation system according to the invention in a stable equilibrium position, the piston of the device leaving the first and second outputs free;

[0032] [Fig 4] schematically illustrates a device for placing an actuation system according to the invention in a stable equilibrium position, the piston of the device blocking the first outlet; and

[0033] [Fig 5] schematically illustrates a method for placing a servo-cylinder of an actuation system according to the invention in a predefined stable equilibrium position.

[0034] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0035] Figure 1 schematically shows an actuation system 2 comprising an actuator comprising a servo-cylinder 4 comprising a controlled cylinder 6, for example equipped with a servovalve 8. As a variant, the controlled cylinder 6 comprises, for example, a proportional control distributor.

[0036] The servo-actuated cylinder 6 comprises a rod 10 provided with a piston 12 moving between two stop positions. The piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 defines two chambers each supplied by the servo-valve 8. The servo-cylinder 4 advantageously comprises low-friction seals in order to guarantee the sealing of the two chambers during the movement of the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4.

[0037] The servo-cylinder 4 of the actuation system 2 makes it possible, for example, to actuate an aeronautical or automotive system. The actuation system 2 described here is particularly useful for single-engine aircraft architectures.

[0038] The actuator further comprises a device 14 for placing in a predefined stable equilibrium position. The device 14 comprises a cylinder 16 provided with a rod 18 mechanically secured to the rod 10 of the servo-cylinder 4. The rod 18 of the cylinder 16 and the rod 10 of the servo-cylinder 4 are for example welded to each other by their ends or are manufactured in a single block. Alternatively, the rod 18 of the cylinder 16 is for example coupled to the rod 10 of the servo-cylinder 4 by a removable coupling element. The coupling element makes it possible for example to correct position errors between the cylinder 16 and the servo-cylinder 4. Furthermore, when the rod 18 of the cylinder 16 moves, the rod 10 of the servo-cylinder 4 moves and vice versa.

[0039] The cylinder 16 comprises a piston 20 mounted on the rod 18 of the cylinder 16 so as to define on either side of the piston 20 in the cylinder 16 a first chamber 22 subjected to a first pressure P1 and a second chamber 24 subjected to a second pressure P2. Advantageously, the piston 20 moves in the cylinder 16 with a stroke substantially equal to the stroke of the piston 12 in the servo-cylinder 6 to within a margin allowing a mechanical tolerance between the cylinder 16 and the servo-cylinder 4. Furthermore, when the piston 20 of the cylinder 16 moves, the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 moves in the same manner and vice versa. The first and second chambers 22, 24 are configured to contain a fluid, for example oil.

[0040] Advantageously, the actuation system 2 comprises a computer 26 electronically connected to the servovalve 8. The computer 26 controls, for example, the servovalve 8 supplying the servo-actuated cylinder 6 with fluid, for example oil, so as to control the position of the piston 12 of the servo-actuator 4. For example, the computer 26 sends an order in the form of an electrical signal to the servovalve 8, the servovalve 8 supplying the servo-actuated cylinder 6 with fluid according to the order from the computer so as to position the cylinder in a desired position.

[0041] Advantageously, the servo-actuated cylinder 6 and the first and second chambers 22, 24 are supplied with the same fluid. The servo-valve 8 is advantageously mounted directly on the servo-actuated cylinder 6 in order to have increased responsiveness of the servo-actuator 4.

[0042] Optionally, the actuator comprises a position sensor 28 of the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 electronically connected to the computer 26. The computer 26 analyzes the position of the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 measured by the position sensor 28 and makes it possible to detect whether the position of the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 is the position commanded by the computer 26. In one embodiment, the position sensor 28 is coupled to the rod 10 of the servo-cylinder 4. In another embodiment, the position sensor 28 is coupled to the rod 18 of the cylinder 16.

[0043] In one embodiment, the servovalve 8 comprises a flow sensor (not shown) making it possible to check the flow rate of fluid supplied by the servovalve 8 to the servo-actuated cylinder 6. The flow sensor is electronically connected to the computer 26. The computer 26 analyzes the flow rate of fluid measured by the flow sensor and makes it possible to detect whether the flow rate of the fluid supplied by the servovalve 8 is the flow rate controlled by the computer 26.

[0044] The computer 26 is thus configured to detect a failure of the actuation system 2, the failure corresponding for example to an active failure, i.e. an abnormal supply of the servovalve 8 or to a passive failure, i.e. an absence of distribution of fluid by the servovalve 8.

[0045] Advantageously, the actuator comprises an electrohydraulic selector 30 electronically connected to the computer 26, and fluidically to the servovalve 8 and to the cylinder 16 of the device 14 for placing in a predefined stable equilibrium position.

[0046] Advantageously, the actuation system 2 comprises means 31 for supplying fluid under high and low pressure fluidically connected to the electrohydraulic selector 30, to the servovalve 8 and to the device 14 for placing in the equilibrium position. Advantageously, the electrohydraulic selector 30 is connected to a hydraulic circuit connecting the supply means 31 to the servovalve 8 so that fluid circulating between the supply means 31 and the servovalve 8 passes through the electrohydraulic selector 30. Advantageously, the electrohydraulic selector 30 is connected to a hydraulic circuit connecting the supply means 31 to the cylinder 16 of the device 14 so that fluid circulating between the supply means 31 and the cylinder 16 of the device 14 passes through the electrohydraulic selector 30. Preferably, the servovalve 8 is permanently connected to the supply means 31 for low-pressure fluid by a hydraulic pipe.Preferably, the jack 16 of the device 14 is permanently connected to the low-pressure fluid supply means 31 by a hydraulic pipe.

[0047] The supply of fluid under high pressure comprises, for example, the injection of a fluid under a pressure close to 10 bars, or under a pressure of between 10 and 350 bars, for example under a pressure of 210 bars in pipes of the actuation system 2. The supply of fluid under low pressure comprises, for example, the exhaust of a fluid circulating in the actuation system 2.

[0048] The electrohydraulic selector 30 comprises, for example, a distributor with four circulation ports and two possible positions of the distributor. The four circulation ports comprise, for example, an inlet port for a high-pressure fluid, an exhaust outlet port, a first circulation port and a second circulation port. The first position of the distributor corresponds, for example, to the circulation of a high-pressure fluid from the inlet port for a high-pressure fluid to the first circulation port and to the exhaust of a fluid from the second circulation port to the exhaust outlet port.The second position of the distributor corresponds, for example, to the circulation of a high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid inlet port to the second circulation port and to the exhaust of a fluid from the first circulation port to the exhaust outlet port.

[0049] Furthermore, the electrohydraulic selector 30 is configured to switch between several operating modes. For example, in a first operating mode, the electrohydraulic selector 30 supplies the servovalve 8 with high-pressure fluid from the supply means 31 and supplies the cylinder 16 of the device 14 with low-pressure fluid from the supply means 31. For example, in a second operating mode, the electrohydraulic selector 30 supplies the servovalve 8 with low-pressure fluid from the supply means 31 and supplies the cylinder 16 of the device 14 with high-pressure fluid from the supply means 31.

[0050] During normal operation of the actuation system 2, for example when the computer 26 does not detect a fault, the electrohydraulic selector 30 connects the servovalve 8 to the supply means 31 so as to supply the servovalve 8 with fluid under high pressure and connects the cylinder 16 of the device 14 to the supply means 31 so as to evacuate fluid under low pressure from the cylinder 16 of the device 14.

[0051] During abnormal operation of the actuation system 2, for example when the computer 26 detects a fault including an incorrect position of the cylinder 6 due to an unwanted fluid supply provided by the servovalve 8 or when the computer 26 detects an unwanted behavior of the servovalve 8, the electrohydraulic selector 30 connects the servovalve 8 to the supply means 31 so as to evacuate low-pressure fluid from the servovalve 8 and connects the cylinder 16 of the device 14 to the supply means 31 so as to supply the cylinder 16 of the device 14 with high-pressure fluid. This situation makes it possible to interrupt the unwanted fluid supply provided by the servovalve 8 and causes the servo-actuated cylinder 6 to be placed in a stable equilibrium position.

[0052] The stable equilibrium position corresponds, for example, to a rest position of the actuation system 2 making the actuation system 2 available for further use, to a collection position of the actuation system 2 or to a maintenance position allowing simplified access to the actuation system 2, in particular for repairing the actuation system 2.

[0053] Figure 2 schematically shows a device 14 for placing in a stable equilibrium position according to the invention. The device 14 shown is in the predefined stable equilibrium position.

[0054] The cylinder 16 of the device 14 comprises a first inlet 32 ​​for the high-pressure fluid in the first chamber 22 and a second inlet 34 for the high-pressure fluid in the second chamber 24. Following the detection of a fault, the first and second inlets 32, 34 are supplied with high-pressure fluid by the electrohydraulic selector 30.

[0055] The cylinder 16 of the device 14 also comprises a first outlet 36 for the low-pressure fluid and a second outlet 38 for the low-pressure fluid placed at different locations longitudinally between the first and second inlets 32, 34. The first and second outlets 36, 38 are made in an element 39 constituting the wall of the cylinder 16 of the device 14. The longitudinal position of the element 39 is advantageously chosen at the design of the device 14 so as to be able to construct actuation systems 2 whose predefined stable equilibrium position can be adjusted from one production to another. Preferably, the first and second outlets 36, 38 are connected to the low-pressure fluid supply means 31.When the first and second inlets 32, 34 are supplied with high-pressure fluid and the first and second outlets 36, 38 are connected to the low-pressure fluid supply means 31, the piston 20 of the cylinder 16 is set in motion by the difference between the first and second pressures P1, P2 to place itself in the stable equilibrium position. In addition, the first and second pressures P1 and P2 exert a force on the piston 20 of the cylinder 16. This force moves the rod 10 of the servo-cylinder 4 mechanically secured to the rod 18 of the cylinder 16. More particularly, the first and second pressures P1 and P2 will vary with the movement of the piston 20 of the cylinder 16 until they are equal and therefore each exert an equal force on the piston 20 of the cylinder 16 when the servo-cylinder 4 is placed in its stable equilibrium position.

[0056] The section of the cylinder 16 of the device 14 is advantageously configured to provide sufficient force to place the controlled cylinder 6 in the stable equilibrium position. A larger section of the cylinder 16 of the device 14 makes it possible to overcome greater opposing forces, in particular from the controlled cylinder 6.

[0057] The present invention further makes it possible to apply a mechanical force from a hydraulic modulation.

[0058] In another embodiment, the actuation system 2 does not include an electrohydraulic selector 30. The cylinder 16 of the device 14 and the servo-cylinder 6 are then both connected to the high-pressure fluid supply means 31, the cylinder 16 of the device 14 continuously exerting a force on the servo-cylinder 6 so as to return it to its stable equilibrium position. Advantageously, the area of ​​a cross-section of the piston 20 of the cylinder 16 is less than the area of ​​a cross-section of the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 so that the cylinder 16 of the device 14 exerts a low parasitic force on the servo-cylinder 6 during its normal operation. In the event of a passive failure of the servo-cylinder 4, the cylinder 16 of the device 14 places the servo-cylinder 6 in its stable equilibrium position.Advantageously, during an active failure the power supply to the servo-cylinder 4 is cut off, for example manually, and the device 14 places the servo-cylinder 6 in its stable equilibrium position.

[0059] The piston 20 of the device 14 comprises a portion 40 of substantially cylindrical shape, of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the internal transverse section of the piston 20 of the device 14 and of height substantially equal to the longitudinal distance between the first and second outlets 36 and 38. In the stable equilibrium position, the first and second outlets 36, 38 are located partially on either side of the piston 20 of the device 14. Advantageously, the angles of the portion 40 of the piston 20 are beveled so that the fluid flows from the first inlet 32 ​​to the first outlet 36 and from the second inlet 34 to the second outlet 38 when the cylinder 16 of the device 14 is in the stable equilibrium position. In another embodiment, the angles of the portion 40 of the piston 20 have sharp edges or any other transition shape.

[0060] The piston 20 of the device 14 advantageously comprises low-friction seals in order to guarantee the sealing of the first and second chambers 22, 24 during the movement of the piston 20 of the device 14.

[0061] The piston 20 of the device 14 comprises two stops 42 on either side of the portion 40. Advantageously, the first inlet 32 ​​is located as close as possible to the stop position of the piston 20 on the side of the first chamber 22, the corresponding stop 42 being dimensioned so that the high-pressure fluid can enter through the first inlet 32 ​​into the first chamber 22 when the piston 20 of the device 14 is in the stop position. Advantageously, the second inlet 34 is located as close as possible to the stop position of the piston 20 on the side of the second chamber 24, the corresponding stop 42 being dimensioned so that the high-pressure fluid can enter through the second inlet 34 into the second chamber 24 when the piston 20 of the device 14 is in the stop position.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first and second inlets 32, 34 are provided with adjustable restrictions 44 arranged in an exhaust pipe of the first and second inlets 32, 34. When the actuation system 2 is in a stable equilibrium position, there is a balance of forces applied to the piston 20 of the device 14. The adjustable restrictions 44 make it possible, for example, to modify the speed of bringing the actuation system 2 into the stable equilibrium position. The value of the first and second pressures P1 and P2 and / or the re-centering speed and / or the circulation of the fluid from the first and second inlets 32, 34 to the first and second outlets 36, 38 is, for example, determined by the dimensions of the restrictions 44 and by the overlaps of the portion 40 of the piston 20 with the first and second outlets 36 and 38.The refocusing speed also depends on the means implemented to connect the uses of the servovalve 8 in the event of a breakdown, not described because they are known in the state of the art.

[0063] 3 schematically shows a device 14 for placing in a stable equilibrium position according to the invention. The device 14 is shown in a position such that the first chamber 22 has a volume smaller than the volume of the second chamber 24. When a failure of the servo-cylinder 4 is detected, the electrohydraulic selector 30 switches to change the supply mode and cuts off the supply of high-pressure fluid to the servovalve 8 and therefore to the controlled cylinder 6. The electrohydraulic selector 30 then supplies the first and second inlets 32, 34 with high-pressure fluid, for example simultaneously.

[0064] Following detection of the fault, the first chamber 22 is supplied with high-pressure fluid which cannot be evacuated through the first and second outlets 36, 38 located in the second chamber 24. The pressure P1 in the first chamber 22 then increases and is greater than the pressure P2 in the second chamber 24. The pressure in the first chamber 22 is for example equal to the pressure of the fluid injected under high pressure. The pressure in the second chamber 24 is for example equal to the pressure of the fluid in a low-pressure circuit of the supply means 31. In one embodiment, the fluid in the first chamber 22 flows at a very low flow rate between the element 39 and the portion 40 of the piston 20 of the device 14 so as to control the re-centering speed, the pressure in the first chamber 22 not increasing too quickly.The force exerted by the first and second pressures P1, P2 on the piston 20 of the device 14 tends to move it towards its stable equilibrium position.

[0065] Preferably, this very low flow between the element 39 and the portion 40 of the piston 20 of the device is taken into account in the design of the actuation system 2. The value of the first and second pressures P1 and P2 and / or the re-centering speed and / or the circulation of the fluid from the first and second inlets 32, 34 to the first and second outlets 36, 38 is advantageously determined by the dimensions of the restrictions 44, by the overlaps of the portion 40 of the piston 20 with the first and second outlets 36 and 38 and by the value of this flow.

[0066] Figure 4 schematically shows a device 14 for placing in a stable equilibrium position according to the invention. The device 14 is shown in an intermediate position to the situations of Figures 2 and 3. The piston 20 of the device 14 covers the first outlet 36, the fluid from the first chamber 22 still not being able to reach an outlet 36, 38 for the fluid. The pressure P1 in the first chamber 22 is still higher than the pressure P2 in the second chamber 24. The piston 20 of the device 14 therefore continues its movement towards the stable equilibrium position illustrated in Figure 2.

[0067] The opposite situation, when the device 14 is in a position such that the first chamber 22 has a volume greater than the volume of the second chamber 24, is understood by symmetry in a similar manner.

[0068] The device 14 shown in Figure 2 has a transverse axis of symmetry, however other structures are possible for the cylinder 16 of the device 14. The volumes of the first and second chambers 22, 24 can for example be different when the piston 20 of the device 14 is in the central position of its stroke.

[0069] The first and second outputs 36, 38 are for example located on either side of the piston 20 of the device 14 positioned in a non-central position of its stroke so as to define a stable equilibrium position of the servo-actuated cylinder 6 different from the central position of its stroke. The choice of the intermediate stable equilibrium position is free by design, it is in particular predefined by modifying the overlap of the piston 20 of the device 14 with the first and second outputs 36, 38.

[0070] In another embodiment, the first and second outlets 36, 38 are fluidly connected, for example by a slot made in a wall of the piston 20 of the device 14 so that the first and second outlets 36, 38 communicate fluidly and form a single outlet.

[0071] Figure 5 also shows the steps of a method 46 for placing a servo-cylinder 4 of an actuation system 2 in a predefined stable equilibrium position.

[0072] Firstly, a step 48 is carried out for interrupting an unwanted fluid supply provided by a servovalve 8 of the servo-cylinder 4. The interruption step 48 occurs for example after the detection of a fault by the computer 26. Before the fault, the electrohydraulic selector 30 connects for example the high-pressure fluid supply means 31 to the servovalve 8 and connects for example the device 14 to the low-pressure fluid supply means 31.

[0073] Then, a step 50 is carried out for supplying fluid to the cylinder 16 of the device 14 for placing the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 in a predefined stable equilibrium position. During the supply step 50, the electrohydraulic selector 30 connects, for example, the servovalve 8 to the means 31 for supplying fluid under low pressure and connects, for example, the device 14 to the means 31 for supplying fluid under high pressure. Advantageously, steps 48 and 50 are implemented simultaneously, in particular by switching the electrohydraulic selector 30 between two operating modes.

[0074] Then, a step 52 of translating the servo-cylinder 4 towards the predefined stable equilibrium position is carried out. Advantageously, step 52 is carried out at the same time as step 50. By a simultaneous action of steps 50 and 52 is meant that steps 50 and 52 take place at the same time, or are temporally offset by a negligible duration.

[0075] Step 52 comprises the translation of the piston 20 of the cylinder 16 towards the predefined stable equilibrium position. The rod 10 of the servo-cylinder 4 mechanically secured to the rod 18 of the cylinder 16 is also translated towards the stable equilibrium position during step 52 so as to position the servo-cylinder 4 in the predefined stable equilibrium position. Finally, a step 54 is carried out of maintaining the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 in the predefined stable equilibrium position. During step 54 the first and second pressures P1, P2 are equal. When the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 moves away from the stable equilibrium position, the closure of the first and second outlets 36, 38 is modified. Thus, the first and second pressures P l , P2 are modified and tend to bring the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 back to the stable equilibrium position.The pressure of the chamber whose volume has decreased increases and exerts on the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 a force greater than the force exerted by the pressure of the other chamber on the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4, the greater force returning the piston 12 of the servo-cylinder 4 to the stable equilibrium position in which the first and second pressures P1, P2 are equal.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Actuation system (2) comprising an actuator comprising a servo-cylinder (4), the servo-cylinder (4) comprising a rod (10) provided with a piston (12), the actuator comprising a device (14) for placing the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4) in a predefined stable equilibrium position, the device (14) comprising a cylinder (16) provided with a rod (18) mechanically secured to the rod (10) of the servo-cylinder (4), the cylinder (16) comprising a piston (20) mounted on the rod (18) of the cylinder (16) so as to define on either side of the piston (20) in the cylinder (16) a first chamber (22) subjected to a first pressure (P1) and a second chamber (24) subjected to a second pressure (P2), the first and second chambers (22, 24) being configured to contain a fluid, the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4) being configured to be positioned in the predefined stable equilibrium position when the first and second pressures (P l , P2) are equal,characterized in that the cylinder (16) comprises a first inlet (32) for the fluid in the first chamber (22) and a second inlet (34) for the fluid in the second chamber (24), the cylinder (16) comprising a first outlet (36) for the fluid and a second outlet (38) for the fluid placed at different locations longitudinally between the first and second inlets (32, 34) and dimensioned so that the first outlet (36) allows the fluid to pass from the first inlet (32) and the second outlet (38) allows the fluid to pass from the second inlet (34) when the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4) is in the predefined stable equilibrium position., 2. System (2) according to claim 1, comprising fluid supply means (31) configured to supply the actuator with fluid.

3. System (2) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the servo-cylinder (4) comprises a servovalve (8), the actuator comprising an electrohydraulic selector (30) configured to interrupt a supply of fluid supplied to the servovalve (8) in the event of unwanted behavior.

4. System (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the first and second outlets (36, 38) are fluidly connected, a slot being made in a wall of the piston (20) of the device (14) so ​​that the first and second outlets (36, 38) communicate fluidly and form a single outlet.

5. System (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the actuator comprises a position sensor (28) of the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4).

6. System (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a computer (26) configured to detect a failure of the servo-cylinder (4).

7. System (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the area of ​​a cross-section of the piston (20) of the cylinder (16) is less than the area of ​​a cross-section of the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4).

8. Method (46) for placing a servo-cylinder (4) of an actuation system (2) in a predefined stable equilibrium position according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: Interruption of a fluid supply supplied to a servovalve (8) of the servo cylinder (4) in the event of unwanted behavior; Fluid supply to the cylinder (16) of the device (14) for placing the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4) in a predefined stable equilibrium position; Translation of the servo-cylinder (4) towards the predefined stable equilibrium position; and Maintaining the piston (12) of the servo-cylinder (4) in a predefined stable equilibrium position, the first and second pressures (P1, P2) being equal.

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