US2441263A - Fluid pressure servomotor of the follow-up type - Google Patents

Fluid pressure servomotor of the follow-up type Download PDF

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Publication number
US2441263A
US2441263A US590672A US59067245A US2441263A US 2441263 A US2441263 A US 2441263A US 590672 A US590672 A US 590672A US 59067245 A US59067245 A US 59067245A US 2441263 A US2441263 A US 2441263A
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power
actuators
valve
operated
lever
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US590672A
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Wilfred A Eaton
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Bendix Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Co
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Bendix Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Co
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B9/00—Servomotors with follow-up action, e.g. obtained by feed-back control, i.e. in which the position of the actuated member conforms with that of the controlling member
    • F15B9/16—Systems essentially having two or more interacting servomotors, e.g. multi-stage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
    • B63H25/06—Steering by rudders
    • B63H25/08—Steering gear
    • B63H25/14—Steering gear power assisted; power driven, i.e. using steering engine
    • B63H25/26—Steering engines
    • B63H25/28—Steering engines of fluid type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C13/00—Control systems or transmitting systems for actuating flying-control surfaces, lift-increasing flaps, air brakes, or spoilers
    • B64C13/24—Transmitting means

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to power means for controlling the operation of a remotely positioned device, and more particularly to fluid pressure control mechanism for controlling the operation of a remotely positioned. rudder or other device on a vehicle such as a boat or airplane.
  • One of the objects of the present invention is to provide power operated means for efiecting a graduated control of the movement of a remotely positioned rudder or other device.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide fluid pressure operated control means for such a device so constituted as to eliminate the necessity for mechanical connections between the device and the operator's control element.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide, in a mechanism of the above type, control means for the power actuator or actuators so constituted as to render the degree of power supplied to the actuator dependent solely on the de-- gree of control exercised by the operator.
  • a still further object of the invention is to provide control mechanism of the type referred to in the preceding paragraph, so constituted as to render the degree of power supplied to the actuator or actuators independent of any outside force exerted on the device.
  • the mechanism includes generally a fluid pressure reservoir 4, an operators control valve 5, actuators or cylinders 6 and F, control valve mechanism 8, a remotely positioned rudder or device to be actuated 9, and a mechanism 9a adapted to normally maintain the device or rudder in neutral position.
  • the reservoir 4 is adapted to receive fluid pressure from a compressor,-not shown, through conduit l0, and is adapted to supply fluid pressure to an inlet chamber H in the valve mechanism 5 through a conduit l2, and to supplyfiuid pressure to an inlet chamber l3 in the valve mechanism 8 through conduit H, a conduit M and a flexible hose l5.
  • the valve mechanism 5, to be described hereinafter in more detail, is provided with valve operating plungers I6 and i1 and outlet conduits l8 and I9 connected respectively to the right and left ends of a cylinder 20 forming part of actuator 6.
  • a rudder bar M is pivotally mounted on the structure of the airplane by means of a pin 22, serving on rotation of the bar to depress one or the other of the plungers [6 or H.
  • the valve mechanism 5 is of the duplex type having a pair of self-lapping valves operated respectively by the plungers I 6 and I1, and it will be understood that on operation of the rudder bar to depress the plunger l6,
  • valve mechanism will be operated to supply fluid pressure to the right end of the cylinder at a pressure substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the rudder bar from the position shown, while on movement of the rudder bar in the opposite direction, a graduated and controlled pressure will similarly be supplied to the left end of the cylinder.
  • valve mechanism 5 With regard to the construction of the valve mechanism 5, it will be noted that the mechanism operated by the plungers l6 and I1 is identical on both sides of the valve and the right hand portion of the valve will therefore be described.
  • the right hand portion is provided with an outlet chamber 23 connected with the outlet conduit l8, and separated from the inlet chamber by means of, a ported partition 24.
  • An inlet and exhaust valve assembly comprising an inlet valve 25, a stem 26, and an exhaust valve 21 on the upper end of the stem, is normally maintained in the position shown to prevent communication between the inlet and outlet chambers through the ported partition by means of an inlet valve spring 28 interposed between the exhaust valve and the upper surface of the partition. Operation of the valve assembly is accomplished by means of a valve operating element 29 provided with a bore 30 open at its lower end and adapted on downward movement to engage the upper surface of the exhaust valve in order to close the lower end of the bore.
  • the element 29 is slidably mounted in a bore 3!, and is suitably conneotedwith a pressure responsive diaphragm 32 clamped in the casing of the valve mechanism in such a manner as to define a control chamber 33 having an exhaust chamber 34.
  • the control chamber is connected with the outlet chamber 23 by means of a restricted passage 35 in such a manner that the lower surface of the diaphragm is subjected at all times to the pressure in the outlet chamber, and the exhaust chamber is connected to atmosphere through an exhaust port 36;
  • a graduating spring 31 is interposed between the upper surface of the diaphragm and the lower surface of a washer 33 slidably.
  • the graduating spring 31 can be initially installed in such a manner as to be slightly compressed between the upper surface of the diaphragm and the lower surface of the washer 38 in such a manner that initial operation of the plunger I6 will cause the valve mechanism to immediately deliver a pressure corresponding to the degree of preloading of the graduating spring.
  • the operation of the self-lapping valve mechanism just described with the preloaded graduating spring is substantially identical with that disclosed in the patent to William J. Andres and Roy S. Sanford, No. 2,133,275, dated October 18, 1938, but it is also pointed out that if desired, the graduating spring may be so dimensioned with respect to the position of the diaphragm and the washer 38 as to avoid any preloading or initial pro-compressing of the graduating spring during installation.
  • the lower portion of the plunger is provided with a skirt 4
  • the left hand portion of the valve is provided with an outlet chamber 43, inlet and exhaust valves 46 and 41.
  • valve operating element 48 a pressure responsive diaphragm 48, and a graduating spring 50 interposed between the plunger I1 and the diaphragm, and since the plunger and valve operating element are constructed in the same manner as those shown in the right hand portion of the valve, it will be understood that with the plunger il in the position shown, the outlet chamber will be in communication with the atmosphere through the bore formed on the valve operating element, the ports 44, the port 43 in the skirt of the plunger and an exhaust port 5
  • valve mechanism 8 is similar to the valve mechanism 5 except for the omission of the graduating springs and is likewise of the duplex type. The upper half of the mechanism will be described in detail since it is identical with the lower portion.
  • the valvemechanism includes a casing 52 provided with an outlet chamber 53, a diaphragm chamber 54, and an exhaust chamber 55, the latter being provided with an atmospheric port 36.
  • a ported partition 51 separates the inlet chamber i3 from the outlet chamber, communication between these chambers through the partition being normally prevented by means of an inlet valve 58 having a stem 58, which is normally maintained in the position shown by means of an inlet valve spring 60 interposed between the left surface of the partition and the right surface of an exhaust valve 6!
  • a valve operating element 64 is slidably mounted in the partition and is provided with a central bore 65. the right end oi! which is adapted on movement of the element to the right to contact the exhaust valve it in order to prevent communication between the outlet chamber and the bore, the bore communicating with atmosphere through ports 66 formed in the wall thereof, exhaust chamber 55 and exhaust port 56.
  • a flexible diaphragm 61 serves to separate the diaphragm and exhaust chambers, the diaphragm being suitably clamped at the outer periphery to the casing, and adjacent its center to the valve operating element.
  • a valve operating plunger 68 is slidably mounted in the casing. and a shoulder 63 formed thereon serves to operate the valve operating element through engagement with a flange 10 formed on the left end thereof.
  • the valve mechanism 8 is arranged to control the supply of fluid pressure to the fluid motor I, the latter motor including a casing 13 having a piston It slidably mounted therein.
  • the casing is pivotally mounted on the structure of the airplane, not shown, by means of a bracket IS.
  • the left end of the cylinder is connected with the outlet chamber 53 of the valve mechanism 9 through a conduit 16 and a flexible hose 11, the right end'of the cylinder being connected with the outlet chamber of the lower portion of the valve mechanism through a conduit I9 and a flexible hose i9, and it will be understood that on movement of the plunger II to the right, fluid pressure will be supplied tothe left end of the motor 8 from the reservoir 9 through conduit i9, conduit i9, flexible hose I5, inlet chamber it, ported partition 51, outlet chamber 53, hose ill and conduit I9, while with the plunger in the position shown, the left end of the cylinder will be connected to atmosphere through conduit I9, flexible hose ll, outlet chamber 59, bore 65, port 99, exhaust chamber 55 and exhaust port 56.
  • the lower portion of the valve mechanism with the plunger 12 in the position shown will serve to connect the right end of the cylinder with atmosphere through the conduit I8, the flexible hose I9, the valve mechanism and an exhaust port 89 provided in the casing thereof.
  • the left end of the casing of the valve mechanism '9 is provided with a boss 8i on which a valve operating lever 82 is pivotally mounted by means of a suitable pin 89, the construction being such that on movement of the lever in a clockwise direction relative to the valve casing, the plunger ii will be moved to the right to supply fluid pressure to the left end of the motor as above described, while on movement. of the lever in the reverse direction, the plunger i2 will be similarly operated to supply fluid pressure to the right end of the cylinder.
  • the piston of the cylinder I3 is provided with a piston rod 89 pivotally connected at its right end to the lower end of the lever 92 by means of a, suitable pivot pin 95, the piston rod being slidably mounted in a bore 96 formed in the right end of the cylinder and provided with a seal 8? for the purpose of preventing leakage of fluid pressure .from the cylinder at this point.
  • the upper end of the lever is connected by means of a pivot pin 88 with a piston rod 99 connected at its left end to a piston 99 slidably mounted in the casing 29 of the motor 9, and the respective areas of the pistons I4 and 99 are so chosen as to be inversely proportional to the lever arms oi the lever 92 formed between the pivot pin 93 and the pivot pins 95 and 98, the result being that when equal pressures are supplied to the right and left ends' of the fluid motors 9 and I, the moments exerted on the lever arm about the pivot pin 93 are balanced and there is no tendency for rotation of the lever arm about this pivot.
  • a connecting rod 9i is rigidly attached to the right end of the casing of the valve mechanism 9 and is guided for longitudinal movement by bores .92 and 93 formed in a casing 94 mounted on the structure of the airplane by means of a suitable bracket 95 and forming part of the mechanism 9a.
  • the right end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 91 to an arm 99 rigidly attached to the rudder, the pivot pin engaging a slot 99 formed on the upper end of the lever.
  • is provided with a suitable collar 99 mounted for movement therewith, and neutralizing springs I99 and IM are interposed between the left and right ends of the casing and flanges I92 and I93 of spring cages 594 and I slidably mounted in the casing.
  • the cage I94 is provided with a flange I99 adapted to engage a shoulder I91 formed on the casing in order to prevent further movement of the spring cage to the right while movement of the spring cage I95 to the left beyond the position shown is prevented by a flanged portion I98 adapted to engage a shoulder I 99 formed on the casing.
  • the springs I99 and IN may be installed in a precompressed or preloaded condition in order that a predetermined force may be required to move the rod 9I and the rudder 9 from neutral position.
  • may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to depress the plunger II of the valve mechanism 5, and it will be understood from the foregoing description that on initial movement of the rudder bar to effect closing of the exhaust valve 41 and opening of the inlet valve 46, the preloading of the graduating spring 59 will cause a pressure to be built up in the outlet chamber 95 which corresponds to the preloading of the graduating spring, so that fluid pressure will be initially supplied to the left end of the fluid motor 9.
  • the pressure supplied to the fluid motor Ii will be substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the rudder bar, with the result that over most of the range of movement of the rudder bar, the pressure supplied to the motor will be substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the rudder bar from neutral position.
  • the areas of the pistons 88 and II are inversely proportional to the lengths .of the lever arms to which their respective piston rods are connected, and consequently the moments on the lever about the pivot pin 83 .due to the action of the two fluid motors will be equal and opposite and there will be no tendency to rotate the lever when these pressures are equal.
  • the mechanism has been so constituted as to render the control valve mechanisms for the, fluid motors substantially independent of the action of any outside force exerted on the device being actuated. Due to the relationshipof the piston. areas and the relationship of the lever arms, the pressures-in the two fluidmotors willbesubs'tantially the same when the valves of the valve mechanism 8 are in lapped position, and assuming that'powervhas been supplied to the motors to rotate the rudder in a clockwise direction; as heretofore described, it
  • valve mechanisms 5 and 8 are such that any increase in pressure in the left end of the cylinder 28, for example, will be immediately transmitted to .the diaphragm 48 through the conduit IS, the outlet chamber 45. and the restricted passage 35, and that the resulting force acting on the diaphragm will move the latter and the attached valve operating element upward sufflciently to permit the fluid being compressed to be exhausted to atmosphere through the exhaust valve of the valve .
  • mecha-- nism this being a well-known characteristic of type.
  • Ihe'stops are so proportioned as to permit operation of the lever to move the inlet valves of the valve mech anisms 8 .to fully open position, and it -will be readily seen that lnthe event of failure of the conduits l6 and 18, or in the event of failure of or the other of the stops is contacted, whereupon I the valve mechanism will be moved by the action of the fluid motor in one direction orth'e other:
  • preloaded graduating springs have been indicated in the valve mechanism in order to insure energization of the motor during initial movement of the rudder bar from neutral position sumcient to substantially overcome the preloading 01 the springs Wii and ibl which serve to normally maintain the rudder e in neutral position.
  • the construction is such that these springs need not be preloaded, however, and it is contemplated in some installations that it may be desirable to so install these springs as to eliminate the preloading or precompression entirely. While the fluid motors b and l have been illus-' trated.
  • pistons of unequal areas may be constructed to have equal areas or that they may be so constructed that the area of the piston in the fluid motor l is less than that of the piston in the fluid motor 6, in which case the pivot pin 83 is so positioned on the lever 82 as to insure that the lengths of the lever arms are inversely proportionalto the areas of the pistons in order to insure that the moments tending to rotate the lever about the pivot pin will be equal and opposite when the pressures supplied to the two fluid motors are the same.
  • Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movthe actuators. a second power control means for the otherof said actuators, and means for conmeeting said members and device and for operating said second power control means to supply power to the other of said actuators and to ad- Just the degree of power supplied thereto to a value substantially equal tothe degree of power supplied to said one actuator including. movable means ior connecting said power operated movable members, means tor connecting said device with said movable means, and. an operative connection between said movable means and said second power control means for operating the latter in accordance with relative movement of said movable means and connecting means.
  • Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each havinga power-operated movable member, power control means for one of the actuators, and means for connecting both oi said members with the device and for adjusting the degree of power supplied to the other of said ac r tuators to a value substantially equal to that supplied to said one actuator including movable means ior connecting said power-operated movable members, means for connecting said movable means with said device, and power control means for the other of said actuators operable in response to relative movement or said movable means and connecting means for controlling the supply or power to theother of said actuators.
  • rower-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable member, power control means ior one or the actuators, and means for connecting both. or said members with the device and for adjusting the degree of power supplied to the other 01' said actuators to a value substantially equal to that supplied to said one actuator including movable means for connecting said power-operated movable members, movable means for connecting the device with the first named movable means, and power control means for the other of .said actuators carried by one of said movable means and provided with an operating element having an operative connection with the other of said movable means, whereby the last named power control means is operable in accordance with relative movement of said first and second named movable means.
  • Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including .a pair of power actuators each having a p was-operated movable member, power control means for one of said actuators, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators includin a connecting memberhaving a connection with the power-operated member of said one actuator and a connection with the power-operated member of the other of said actuators, a second connecting member having a connection with the device and a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member, said pivotal connection being so positioned with respectto the other connections that the moments imparted to the first named connecting member by the power-operated members are equal and opposite about said pivotal connection whenthe same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, power control means for the other of said actuators, and an operative able member, power control means for one of to connection between the last named power control means and one of said connecting members for operating said last named power control means in response to relative movement of said connecting members
  • Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable member, power control means for one oi said actuators, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply or power to the other of said actuators including a connecting member having a connection with the power-operated member of said one actuator and a connection with the power-operated member of the other of said actuators, a second connecting member having a connection with the device and a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member,- said pivotal connection being so positioned with respect to the other connections that the moments imparted to the first named connecting member by the power-operated members are equal and opposite about said pivotal connection when the same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, and power control means for the other of said actuators carried by one of said connecting members and provided with a control element having an operative connection with the other of said connecting members.
  • Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting power actuators each having a power-operated member movable in either direction.
  • power control means for one of the actuators for selectively supplying power thereto to move the power operated member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators to move the power-operated member thereof in one direction or the other including a connecting member having a separate connection with each of said power-operated members, a second connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member, and pivotal connection being so positioned intermediate said connections with said power-operated members as to balance the moments acting on the first named connecting member about said pivotal connection when substantially the same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, and power control means for the other or said actuators carried by one.
  • said last named control means being operable in response to rotation of the first named connecting member in one direction or the other about said pivotal-connection on movement of the poweroperated member of said one actuator in one direction or the other to selectively control the supply of power to said other actuator to move the power-operated member thereof in the same direction as the power-operated member of said one actuator.
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device having a neutral position and means associated therewith for normal- 1y maintaining the device in neutral position with a predetermined force, said mechanism including a pair of power actuators each having a power operated movable member, power control means for one of saidactuators, and means for connecting both or said members with the device and for adjusting the degree or power so! plied to the other of said actuators to a value substantially equal to that supplied to said one actuator including movable means for connecting said power-operated movable members, means for connecting said movable means with said device, and power control means for the other of said actuators operable in response to relative movement of said movable means and connecting means for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators.
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair 01' fluid actuators each having a pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of the members, a connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections, the lengths of the lever arms on either side of the pivotal connection being inversely proportional to theareas ot the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, valve mechanism for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of said actuators, a second valve mechanism for controllin the supply of fluid pressure to the other of said actuators having a valve operating element, and an operative connection between said element and lever whereby said second valve mechanism is controlled by movement of said lever about said pivotal connection.
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a pres.
  • a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a. connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections, the lengths of the lever arms on either side of said pivotal connection being inversely proportional to the areas of the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, control valve mechanism for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of said actuators to effect movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for controlling the operation of the other of said actuators including valve mechanism operable on rotation of said lever about said pivotal-connection by movement of the pressure responsive member of said one actuator in one direction or the other to supply fluid pressure to the other 01' said actuators to effect movement 01' the pressure responsive member thereof in the same direction.
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections.
  • a pair of control valves for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of the actuators for effecting movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to the other of said actuators to efiect movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in the same direction as the pressure responsive member of said one actuator including a pair of control valves carried by said connecting member, and means controlled by movement of said lever about said pivotal connection for selectively operating said valves.
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a
  • connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections, the lengths of the lever arms on either side of said pivotal connection being inversely proportional to the areas of the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, a pair of control valves for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of the actuators for effecting movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to the other or said actuators to eiTect movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in the same direction as the pressure responsive member of said one actuator including a pair ofcontrol valves carried by said connecting member, a valve operating element for each of said control valves, and an operative connection between each of said elements and said lever.
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a. pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a
  • 13.1Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable member, power control means for one of said actuators, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators including a connecting member having a connection with the power-operated member of said one actuator and a connection with the power-operated member of the other of said actuators, a second connecting member having a connection with the device and a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member, said pivotal connection being so positioned with respect to the other connections that the moments imparted .to the first named connecting member by the power-operated members are equal and opposite about said pivotal connection when the same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, power control means for the other of said actuators, an operative connection between the last named power control means and one of said connecting members for operating said last named power control means in response to relative movement of said connecting members, and means for limiting the degree of said relative movement,
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having apower-operated movable element, power control means for one of the actuators, means for connecting the elements and device including an actuating member connected with the device and a second member connected with said actuating member and with each of said elements, said second member being adapted for relative movement with respect to said actuating member by said power-operated elements when the degree of power supplied to said actuators varies from a predetermined ratio, and power control means for the other of said actuators having a control element having an operative connection with one of. said members and operable on relative movement of said members to vary the degree of power supplied to the other of said actuators.
  • Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable element, power control means for one of the actuators, means for connecting the elements and device including an actuating member connected with the device and a second mem ber connected with said actuating member and with each. of said elements, said second member being adapted for relative movement with respect to said actuating member by said power-operated elements when the degree of power supplied to said actuators varies from a predetermined ratio, and means for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators including power control means therefor carried by one of said members and provided with a control element having an operative connection with the other of said members.
  • Power-operated control mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a poweroperated movable element, power control means for one of said actuators, and means for connecting said actuators and device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators including a lever having spaced connections with each of said elements, a pivotal connection with said device intermediate said spaced connections, and power control means for the other of said actuators having an operating element controlled by rotation of said lever about said pivotal connection.
  • Power-operated control mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of fluid actuators each having a pressure 16 pressure to the other oi! said actuators provided with a control element having an operative connection with one 01' said members.

Description

11, 1948. w EATON 2,441,263
FLUID PRESSURE SERVO-MOTOR OF THE FOLLOWUP TYPE Filed April 27, 1945 RUDD ER Patented May H, 1948 FLUID PRESSURE SERVOMOTOR OF THE FOLLOW-UP TYPE Wilfred A. Eaton, Elyria, Ohio, assignor to Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Company, Elyria, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Application April 27, 1945, Serial No. 590,672
1 17 Claims.
This invention relates in general to power means for controlling the operation of a remotely positioned device, and more particularly to fluid pressure control mechanism for controlling the operation of a remotely positioned. rudder or other device on a vehicle such as a boat or airplane.
One of the objects of the present invention is to provide power operated means for efiecting a graduated control of the movement of a remotely positioned rudder or other device.
Another object of the invention is to provide fluid pressure operated control means for such a device so constituted as to eliminate the necessity for mechanical connections between the device and the operator's control element.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide, in a mechanism of the above type, control means for the power actuator or actuators so constituted as to render the degree of power supplied to the actuator dependent solely on the de-- gree of control exercised by the operator.
A still further object of the invention is to provide control mechanism of the type referred to in the preceding paragraph, so constituted as to render the degree of power supplied to the actuator or actuators independent of any outside force exerted on the device.
These and other desirable objects and features 'of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art when considered in the light of the following description, but it is to be expressly understood that the description is not to be taken as limiting the invention, reference being hadv for this purpose to the appended claims.
In the drawing, the single figure illustrates diagrammatically, and partially in section, a fluid pressure control mechanism constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Referring to the drawing, the mechanism includes generally a fluid pressure reservoir 4, an operators control valve 5, actuators or cylinders 6 and F, control valve mechanism 8, a remotely positioned rudder or device to be actuated 9, and a mechanism 9a adapted to normally maintain the device or rudder in neutral position.
The reservoir 4 is adapted to receive fluid pressure from a compressor,-not shown, through conduit l0, and is adapted to supply fluid pressure to an inlet chamber H in the valve mechanism 5 through a conduit l2, and to supplyfiuid pressure to an inlet chamber l3 in the valve mechanism 8 through conduit H, a conduit M and a flexible hose l5. The valve mechanism 5, to be described hereinafter in more detail, is provided with valve operating plungers I6 and i1 and outlet conduits l8 and I9 connected respectively to the right and left ends of a cylinder 20 forming part of actuator 6. A rudder bar M is pivotally mounted on the structure of the airplane by means of a pin 22, serving on rotation of the bar to depress one or the other of the plungers [6 or H. The valve mechanism 5 is of the duplex type having a pair of self-lapping valves operated respectively by the plungers I 6 and I1, and it will be understood that on operation of the rudder bar to depress the plunger l6,
the valve mechanism will be operated to supply fluid pressure to the right end of the cylinder at a pressure substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the rudder bar from the position shown, while on movement of the rudder bar in the opposite direction, a graduated and controlled pressure will similarly be supplied to the left end of the cylinder.
. With regard to the construction of the valve mechanism 5, it will be noted that the mechanism operated by the plungers l6 and I1 is identical on both sides of the valve and the right hand portion of the valve will therefore be described.
' In addition to the inlet chamber l I, the right hand portion is provided with an outlet chamber 23 connected with the outlet conduit l8, and separated from the inlet chamber by means of, a ported partition 24. An inlet and exhaust valve assembly comprising an inlet valve 25, a stem 26, and an exhaust valve 21 on the upper end of the stem, is normally maintained in the position shown to prevent communication between the inlet and outlet chambers through the ported partition by means of an inlet valve spring 28 interposed between the exhaust valve and the upper surface of the partition. Operation of the valve assembly is accomplished by means of a valve operating element 29 provided with a bore 30 open at its lower end and adapted on downward movement to engage the upper surface of the exhaust valve in order to close the lower end of the bore. The element 29 is slidably mounted in a bore 3!, and is suitably conneotedwith a pressure responsive diaphragm 32 clamped in the casing of the valve mechanism in such a manner as to define a control chamber 33 having an exhaust chamber 34. The control chamber is connected with the outlet chamber 23 by means of a restricted passage 35 in such a manner that the lower surface of the diaphragm is subjected at all times to the pressure in the outlet chamber, and the exhaust chamber is connected to atmosphere through an exhaust port 36; In order that the valve operating element may be actuated by means of the plunger l6, a graduating spring 31 is interposed between the upper surface of the diaphragm and the lower surface of a washer 33 slidably. mounted on the element 29 and in engagement with a shoulder 39 formed on the plunger, the result being that on downward movement of the plunger the graduating spring is compressed in such a manner as to exert a downward force on the diaphragm which tends to correspondingly move the element 29 downward into engagement with the exhaust valve 21. Upward movement of the washer 38 on the element 29 is restricted by means of a flanged portion III formed on the element, and it will be understood that with this construction, the graduating spring 31 can be initially installed in such a manner as to be slightly compressed between the upper surface of the diaphragm and the lower surface of the washer 38 in such a manner that initial operation of the plunger I6 will cause the valve mechanism to immediately deliver a pressure corresponding to the degree of preloading of the graduating spring.
It will be understood from the foregoing that the operation of the self-lapping valve mechanism just described with the preloaded graduating spring is substantially identical with that disclosed in the patent to William J. Andres and Roy S. Sanford, No. 2,133,275, dated October 18, 1938, but it is also pointed out that if desired, the graduating spring may be so dimensioned with respect to the position of the diaphragm and the washer 38 as to avoid any preloading or initial pro-compressing of the graduating spring during installation. The lower portion of the plunger is provided with a skirt 4| which serves to guide the movement of the valve in a, bore 42 formed in the valve mechanism, and communication between the exhaust port 36 and the exhaust chamber 34 is eifected by means of a port 43 formed in the wall of the plunger skirt, the exhaust chamber in turn being adapted for connection with the outlet chamber 23 through ports 44 formed in the wall of the bore 30. Thus the operation of this valve is substantially identical with that described and disclosed in Fig. 1 of the above re-. ferred to patent, and it will be apparent that with the plunger IS in the position shown, communication between the inlet chamber i l and the outlet chamber 23 will be prevented, while communication will be permitted between the outlet chamber and atmosphere through the bore 30, ports 44, exhaust chamber 34, port 43 and exhaust port 36. On downward movement of the plunger, the valve operating element will be moved downward to first close the exhaust valve and subsequently open the inlet valve in order to admit fluid pressure from the inlet chamber to the outlet chambet, and due to the fact that the outlet chamber is connected with the control chamber 33 through the restricted passage 35,-the pressure supplied to the outlet chamber and control chamber will exert suflicient force on the diaphragm to overcome the force exerted by the graduating spring,
whereupon the element will be moved upward sufficiently to permit closing of the inlet valve in order to maintain a pressure in the outlet chamber substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the plunger i8 from the position shown. In like manner, the left hand portion of the valve is provided with an outlet chamber 43, inlet and exhaust valves 46 and 41. a valve operating element 48, a pressure responsive diaphragm 48, and a graduating spring 50 interposed between the plunger I1 and the diaphragm, and since the plunger and valve operating element are constructed in the same manner as those shown in the right hand portion of the valve, it will be understood that with the plunger il in the position shown, the outlet chamber will be in communication with the atmosphere through the bore formed on the valve operating element, the ports 44, the port 43 in the skirt of the plunger and an exhaust port 5| formed in the upper portion of the valve. Since the outlet chambers 23 and 45 are connected with the right and left ends of the cylinder 20 through conduits l8 and I3 respectively, it will be clear that the valve mechanism may be operated by the rudder bar 2! to supply any desired pressure to either end of the cylinder, this pressure being substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the rudder bar from the position shown in either direction depending on which end of the cylinder is to be energized by the operator.
The valve mechanism 8 is similar to the valve mechanism 5 except for the omission of the graduating springs and is likewise of the duplex type. The upper half of the mechanism will be described in detail since it is identical with the lower portion. As shown in the drawing, the valvemechanism includes a casing 52 provided with an outlet chamber 53, a diaphragm chamber 54, and an exhaust chamber 55, the latter being provided with an atmospheric port 36. A ported partition 51 separates the inlet chamber i3 from the outlet chamber, communication between these chambers through the partition being normally prevented by means of an inlet valve 58 having a stem 58, which is normally maintained in the position shown by means of an inlet valve spring 60 interposed between the left surface of the partition and the right surface of an exhaust valve 6! mounted on the left end of the stem. The left end of theoutlet chamber 33 is defined by means of a partition 62, and the outlet chamber communicates with the diaphragm chamber through arestricted passage 83 in the partition. A valve operating element 64 is slidably mounted in the partition and is provided with a central bore 65. the right end oi! which is adapted on movement of the element to the right to contact the exhaust valve it in order to prevent communication between the outlet chamber and the bore, the bore communicating with atmosphere through ports 66 formed in the wall thereof, exhaust chamber 55 and exhaust port 56. A flexible diaphragm 61 serves to separate the diaphragm and exhaust chambers, the diaphragm being suitably clamped at the outer periphery to the casing, and adjacent its center to the valve operating element. A valve operating plunger 68 is slidably mounted in the casing. and a shoulder 63 formed thereon serves to operate the valve operating element through engagement with a flange 10 formed on the left end thereof. Thus with the valves in the position shown, communication is prevented between the inlet and outlet chambers and is permitted between the outlet chamber and atmosphere through the channels already described, while on movement of the valve operating element to the right, the right end 01' the bore is closed by the exhaust valve to prevent communication between the outlet chamber and atmosphere, further movement of the element in this direction serving to open the inlet valve in order to permit communication to be established between the inlet and outlet chambers. Since the diaphragm is subjected at all times to the pressure in the outlet chamber through the re-. stricted passage 93, it is apparent that this pressure will act on the diaphragm to move the valve operating element to exhaust position as soon as the force tending to move the element to the right is relieved. The upper end of the plunger 99 is provided with an extension II which serves to operate the plunger and it will be understood that a similar plunger in the lower half of the valve mechanism is provided with an extension I2 which serves to operate that portion of the valve mechanism.
The valve mechanism 8 is arranged to control the supply of fluid pressure to the fluid motor I, the latter motor including a casing 13 having a piston It slidably mounted therein. The casing is pivotally mounted on the structure of the airplane, not shown, by means of a bracket IS. The left end of the cylinder is connected with the outlet chamber 53 of the valve mechanism 9 through a conduit 16 and a flexible hose 11, the right end'of the cylinder being connected with the outlet chamber of the lower portion of the valve mechanism through a conduit I9 and a flexible hose i9, and it will be understood that on movement of the plunger II to the right, fluid pressure will be supplied tothe left end of the motor 8 from the reservoir 9 through conduit i9, conduit i9, flexible hose I5, inlet chamber it, ported partition 51, outlet chamber 53, hose ill and conduit I9, while with the plunger in the position shown, the left end of the cylinder will be connected to atmosphere through conduit I9, flexible hose ll, outlet chamber 59, bore 65, port 99, exhaust chamber 55 and exhaust port 56. In like manner, the lower portion of the valve mechanism with the plunger 12 in the position shown will serve to connect the right end of the cylinder with atmosphere through the conduit I8, the flexible hose I9, the valve mechanism and an exhaust port 89 provided in the casing thereof. The left end of the casing of the valve mechanism '9 is provided with a boss 8i on which a valve operating lever 82 is pivotally mounted by means of a suitable pin 89, the construction being such that on movement of the lever in a clockwise direction relative to the valve casing, the plunger ii will be moved to the right to supply fluid pressure to the left end of the motor as above described, while on movement. of the lever in the reverse direction, the plunger i2 will be similarly operated to supply fluid pressure to the right end of the cylinder. The piston of the cylinder I3 is provided with a piston rod 89 pivotally connected at its right end to the lower end of the lever 92 by means of a, suitable pivot pin 95, the piston rod being slidably mounted in a bore 96 formed in the right end of the cylinder and provided with a seal 8? for the purpose of preventing leakage of fluid pressure .from the cylinder at this point. In like manner, the upper end of the lever is connected by means of a pivot pin 88 with a piston rod 99 connected at its left end to a piston 99 slidably mounted in the casing 29 of the motor 9, and the respective areas of the pistons I4 and 99 are so chosen as to be inversely proportional to the lever arms oi the lever 92 formed between the pivot pin 93 and the pivot pins 95 and 98, the result being that when equal pressures are supplied to the right and left ends' of the fluid motors 9 and I, the moments exerted on the lever arm about the pivot pin 93 are balanced and there is no tendency for rotation of the lever arm about this pivot. In order that the power delivered by the fluid motors 9 and I may be applied to move the rudder 9, a connecting rod 9i is rigidly attached to the right end of the casing of the valve mechanism 9 and is guided for longitudinal movement by bores .92 and 93 formed in a casing 94 mounted on the structure of the airplane by means of a suitable bracket 95 and forming part of the mechanism 9a. The right end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 91 to an arm 99 rigidly attached to the rudder, the pivot pin engaging a slot 99 formed on the upper end of the lever. In
order that the rudder may be normally maintained in neutral position, the rod 9| is provided with a suitable collar 99 mounted for movement therewith, and neutralizing springs I99 and IM are interposed between the left and right ends of the casing and flanges I92 and I93 of spring cages 594 and I slidably mounted in the casing. The cage I94 is provided with a flange I99 adapted to engage a shoulder I91 formed on the casing in order to prevent further movement of the spring cage to the right while movement of the spring cage I95 to the left beyond the position shown is prevented by a flanged portion I98 adapted to engage a shoulder I 99 formed on the casing. The springs I99 and IN may be installed in a precompressed or preloaded condition in order that a predetermined force may be required to move the rod 9I and the rudder 9 from neutral position.
In the event the operator is 'desirous of turning the rudder 9 in a clockwise direction, for example, the rudder bar 2| may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to depress the plunger II of the valve mechanism 5, and it will be understood from the foregoing description that on initial movement of the rudder bar to effect closing of the exhaust valve 41 and opening of the inlet valve 46, the preloading of the graduating spring 59 will cause a pressure to be built up in the outlet chamber 95 which corresponds to the preloading of the graduating spring, so that fluid pressure will be initially supplied to the left end of the fluid motor 9. On further movement of the rudder bar in the same direction, the pressure supplied to the fluid motor Ii will be substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the rudder bar, with the result that over most of the range of movement of the rudder bar, the pressure supplied to the motor will be substantially proportional to the degree of movement of the rudder bar from neutral position. When fluid pressure is thus supplied to the left end of the fluid motor 6, the'piston 99 and the piston rod 89 will be moved to the right, and this motion will tend to rotate the valve operating lever 82 clockwise about the pivot pin 93 in order to depress the valve operating plunger II of the valve mechanism 8. During this action, the parts 94 and It may be moved a slight distance to the left in the event that motor I is not charged with pressure. Such movement of the parts 84 and It will be slight, however, in view of the slight clearances in the valve mechanism including elehaustvalve 62 will closed and the inlet valve 58 will be opened to permit the flow of fluid pressure from the inlet chamber ii to the outlet chamber 58 and thence to the left end of the fluid motor I through the flexiblehose TI and the conduit I6, whereupon the piston 18 and the piston rod will be moved to the right in order to rotate the valve operating lever 82 in the opposite direction about the pivot pin 88. In case the motor I is charged with pressure prior to clockwise movement of the lever 82, the lever will pivot about its lower end 88 and move the valve assembly 8 to the right and effect operation of the plunger ll. As heretofore explained, the areas of the pistons 88 and II are inversely proportional to the lengths .of the lever arms to which their respective piston rods are connected, and consequently the moments on the lever about the pivot pin 83 .due to the action of the two fluid motors will be equal and opposite and there will be no tendency to rotate the lever when these pressures are equal. With the upper portion of the valve mechanism operated to supply fluid pressure to the left end of the motor I as above described, it
mechanism 8 will continue to supply fluid pressure to the left end of the fluid motor I, in order to move the piston l4 and the rod 84' to the right until such time as this action has moved the lower end of the lever 82 to the right-suiflciently to cause the lever 82 to again assume the position shown in the drawing with relation to the casing of 'the valve mechanism 8. When this occurs, the pressure acting on the diaphragm 81 of the valve mechanism will cause the plunger H to follow the movement of the lever to the left and the inlet and exhaust valve 58 and 82 will both be maintained in closed position in a mannenwell known to those skilled in the art. Due to the travel required to open and close the exhaust valve, it is apparent that when this lapping action occurs, the lever 82 will not return fully to the position shown in-the drawing, but will be returned from that position just sufllciently to maintain the exhaust and inlet valve in closed or lapped position. While the follow-up action thus obtained which serves to control the degreeof power supplied to the fluid motor I is characteristic of many previous mechanisms, it is particularly pointed out that most of these mechanisms are so constructed that the application of an outside force to the device to be actuated is such as the rudder 8, operates the valve mechanisms to energize the power actuator in such a manner as tooppose the action of this force. In many cases this action is quite desirable, but in the present instance, the mechanism has been so constituted as to render the control valve mechanisms for the, fluid motors substantially independent of the action of any outside force exerted on the device being actuated. Due to the relationshipof the piston. areas and the relationship of the lever arms, the pressures-in the two fluidmotors willbesubs'tantially the same when the valves of the valve mechanism 8 are in lapped position, and assuming that'powervhas been supplied to the motors to rotate the rudder in a clockwise direction; as heretofore described, it
' will be apparent that the application of an outself-lapping valve mechanisms of this particularside force to the rudder to rotate it in the reverse direction will move the rod 9| and the casing of' the valve mechanism 8 to the left, and thatthe pivot pin 83 will impart this motion to the lever 82, and will tend also to move the latter bodily to the left, but in view of the fact that the moments about the pivot pin 83 are such as to prevent rotation of the lever about this pin, it is clear that the movement of the lever to the left due to the application of the outside force will in no way change the relationship of the parts in the valve mechanism 8 which serves to control the degree of energization of the fluid motor I. While it might appear that compression of the fluid in the left ends of the cylinders-28 and 13 might tend to upset this relationship,'it=;is pointed out that here again the compression in both cylinders will be the same in the event such compression occurs, and it is also pointed out that the structure of the valve mechanisms 5 and 8 are such that any increase in pressure in the left end of the cylinder 28, for example, will be immediately transmitted to .the diaphragm 48 through the conduit IS, the outlet chamber 45. and the restricted passage 35, and that the resulting force acting on the diaphragm will move the latter and the attached valve operating element upward sufflciently to permit the fluid being compressed to be exhausted to atmosphere through the exhaust valve of the valve .mecha-- nism, this being a well-known characteristic of type. In like manner, compression of fluid in the left end of the motor I will be immediately transmitted to the-diaphragm 61 in the upper portion of the valve mechanism 8, through conduit 18, flexible hose TI, outlet chamber 58 and restricted passage 63 and the resulting force acting on the diaphragm will tend to move the diaphragm and valve operating element 65 to the left in order to permit a slight exhaust of pressure through the exhaust valve, this motion of the valve operating element likewise being transmitted to the lever 82 through the valve operating plunger H. A very delicate balance of forces is thus maintained, and the operating parts of the valve mechanism 8 operated at all times to automati cally maintain substantially equal pressures in the left ends of the fluid motors 8 and l. Operation of the rudder bar 2| in the opposite direc-' tion will serve to correspondingly energize or supply fluid pressure to the right'e'nds of these fluid motors, and it willbe 'understood'that the mode of operation is identical with that above described except that forces imparted to the rudder rotate it in a counterclockwise direction. In the event of failure of =the conduits leading from the control valve 8 to the fluid motor I, it is contemplated that the fluid motor 8 may still be operative to effect limited operation of the rudder 8 and tothis end stops H8 and ill are formed on the body of the valve mechanism 8 in order to limit rotation of the lever 82 about the pivot pin 83 in either direction. Ihe'stops are so proportioned as to permit operation of the lever to move the inlet valves of the valve mech anisms 8 .to fully open position, and it -will be readily seen that lnthe event of failure of the conduits l6 and 18, or in the event of failure of or the other of the stops is contacted, whereupon I the valve mechanism will be moved by the action of the fluid motor in one direction orth'e other:
-of the piston areas.
While the mechanism shown in the drawing has been described in considerable detail, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made in the construction without departing inner, preloaded graduating springs have been indicated in the valve mechanism in order to insure energization of the motor during initial movement of the rudder bar from neutral position sumcient to substantially overcome the preloading 01 the springs Wii and ibl which serve to normally maintain the rudder e in neutral position. The construction is such that these springs need not be preloaded, however, and it is contemplated in some installations that it may be desirable to so install these springs as to eliminate the preloading or precompression entirely. While the fluid motors b and l have been illus-' trated. and described as having pistons of unequal areas, it is also contemplated that these may be constructed to have equal areas or that they may be so constructed that the area of the piston in the fluid motor l is less than that of the piston in the fluid motor 6, in which case the pivot pin 83 is so positioned on the lever 82 as to insure that the lengths of the lever arms are inversely proportionalto the areas of the pistons in order to insure that the moments tending to rotate the lever about the pivot pin will be equal and opposite when the pressures supplied to the two fluid motors are the same.
It is further pointed out that while the preferred form of the invention has been illustrated as having fluid motors provided with pressure responsive members having areas inversely proportional to the lengths of the lever arms of the lever 82 with which they are connected in order to insure substantially equal pressures in the two motors when the control valve mechanism 8 is lapped, lapping oi the valve mechanism t is effected when the moments on the lever arms of the lever 82 on opposite sides of the pivot pin 83 are equal and opposite, and it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the pistons to and it may be connected to lever arms of equal length, for example, in which case equalization of the moments about the pin 83 and lapping of the valve mechanism a will be effected when the pressure in motor 6 reaches a value greater than that in motor l, this value being determined in this particular case by the ratio In like manner, pressure responsive members of equal area may be connected with lever arms of equal or unequal length without in any way departing from the spirit of. the invention.
le the invention has been illustrated and described herein with considerable particularity, it is to be expressly understood that the same is not limited to the forms shown but may receive a variety oi mechanical expressions, as will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Reference will, therefore, be had to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention.
at is claimed is:
1. Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movthe actuators. a second power control means for the otherof said actuators, and means for conmeeting said members and device and for operating said second power control means to supply power to the other of said actuators and to ad- Just the degree of power supplied thereto to a value substantially equal tothe degree of power supplied to said one actuator including. movable means ior connecting said power operated movable members, means tor connecting said device with said movable means, and. an operative connection between said movable means and said second power control means for operating the latter in accordance with relative movement of said movable means and connecting means.
2. Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each havinga power-operated movable member, power control means for one of the actuators, and means for connecting both oi said members with the device and for adjusting the degree of power supplied to the other of said ac r tuators to a value substantially equal to that supplied to said one actuator including movable means ior connecting said power-operated movable members, means for connecting said movable means with said device, and power control means for the other of said actuators operable in response to relative movement or said movable means and connecting means for controlling the supply or power to theother of said actuators.
'6. rower-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable member, power control means ior one or the actuators, and means for connecting both. or said members with the device and for adjusting the degree of power supplied to the other 01' said actuators to a value substantially equal to that supplied to said one actuator including movable means for connecting said power-operated movable members, movable means for connecting the device with the first named movable means, and power control means for the other of .said actuators carried by one of said movable means and provided with an operating element having an operative connection with the other of said movable means, whereby the last named power control means is operable in accordance with relative movement of said first and second named movable means.
4. Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including .a pair of power actuators each having a p wer-operated movable member, power control means for one of said actuators, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators includin a connecting memberhaving a connection with the power-operated member of said one actuator and a connection with the power-operated member of the other of said actuators, a second connecting member having a connection with the device and a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member, said pivotal connection being so positioned with respectto the other connections that the moments imparted to the first named connecting member by the power-operated members are equal and opposite about said pivotal connection whenthe same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, power control means for the other of said actuators, and an operative able member, power control means for one of to connection between the last named power control means and one of said connecting members for operating said last named power control means in response to relative movement of said connecting members. I
5. Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable member, power control means for one oi said actuators, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply or power to the other of said actuators including a connecting member having a connection with the power-operated member of said one actuator and a connection with the power-operated member of the other of said actuators, a second connecting member having a connection with the device and a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member,- said pivotal connection being so positioned with respect to the other connections that the moments imparted to the first named connecting member by the power-operated members are equal and opposite about said pivotal connection when the same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, and power control means for the other of said actuators carried by one of said connecting members and provided with a control element having an operative connection with the other of said connecting members.
6. Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting power actuators each having a power-operated member movable in either direction. power control means for one of the actuators for selectively supplying power thereto to move the power operated member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators to move the power-operated member thereof in one direction or the other including a connecting member having a separate connection with each of said power-operated members, a second connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member, and pivotal connection being so positioned intermediate said connections with said power-operated members as to balance the moments acting on the first named connecting member about said pivotal connection when substantially the same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, and power control means for the other or said actuators carried by one. of said connecting members and operatively connected with the other of said connecting members, said last named control means being operable in response to rotation of the first named connecting member in one direction or the other about said pivotal-connection on movement of the poweroperated member of said one actuator in one direction or the other to selectively control the supply of power to said other actuator to move the power-operated member thereof in the same direction as the power-operated member of said one actuator.
7. Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device having a neutral position and means associated therewith for normal- 1y maintaining the device in neutral position with a predetermined force, said mechanism including a pair of power actuators each having a power operated movable member, power control means for one of saidactuators, and means for connecting both or said members with the device and for adjusting the degree or power so! plied to the other of said actuators to a value substantially equal to that supplied to said one actuator including movable means for connecting said power-operated movable members, means for connecting said movable means with said device, and power control means for the other of said actuators operable in response to relative movement of said movable means and connecting means for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators.
8. Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair 01' fluid actuators each having a pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of the members, a connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections, the lengths of the lever arms on either side of the pivotal connection being inversely proportional to theareas ot the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, valve mechanism for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of said actuators, a second valve mechanism for controllin the supply of fluid pressure to the other of said actuators having a valve operating element, and an operative connection between said element and lever whereby said second valve mechanism is controlled by movement of said lever about said pivotal connection.
9. Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a pres.
' sure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a. connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections, the lengths of the lever arms on either side of said pivotal connection being inversely proportional to the areas of the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, control valve mechanism for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of said actuators to effect movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for controlling the operation of the other of said actuators including valve mechanism operable on rotation of said lever about said pivotal-connection by movement of the pressure responsive member of said one actuator in one direction or the other to supply fluid pressure to the other 01' said actuators to effect movement 01' the pressure responsive member thereof in the same direction.
10. Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections. the lengths of the lever arms on either side of said pivotal connection being inversely proportional to the areas of the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, a pair of control valves for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of the actuators for effecting movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to the other of said actuators to efiect movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in the same direction as the pressure responsive member of said one actuator including a pair of control valves carried by said connecting member, and means controlled by movement of said lever about said pivotal connection for selectively operating said valves.
11. Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a
. connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections, the lengths of the lever arms on either side of said pivotal connection being inversely proportional to the areas of the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, a pair of control valves for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of the actuators for effecting movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in one direction or the other, and means for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to the other or said actuators to eiTect movement of the pressure responsive member thereof in the same direction as the pressure responsive member of said one actuator including a pair ofcontrol valves carried by said connecting member, a valve operating element for each of said control valves, and an operative connection between each of said elements and said lever.
12. Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of double acting fluid actuators each having a. pressure responsive member, a lever having a separate connection with each of said members, a
connecting member connected with the device and having a pivotal connection with the lever intermediate said separate connections, the lengths of the lever arms on either side of said pivotal connection being inversely proportional to the areas of the pressure responsive members to which they are connected, preloaded resilient means for normally maintaining said device in a neutral position with a predetermined force, and means for controlling thesupply of fluid pressure to said actuators to effect movement of the dc vice in one direction or the other from neutral position including a pair of control valves for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to one of the actuators each having a valve operating element and a pressure responsive member associated therewith, means for selectively operating said control valves including a control lever and a separate preloaded resilient connection between said lever and each of said valve operating elements, and a pair ofv control valves carried by said connecting member for controlling the supply of fluid pressure to the other of said actuators, each of the last named control valves having a valve operating elementoperatively connected with said lever.
13.1Power-operated means for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable member, power control means for one of said actuators, and means for connecting said power operated members with the device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators including a connecting member having a connection with the power-operated member of said one actuator and a connection with the power-operated member of the other of said actuators, a second connecting member having a connection with the device and a pivotal connection with the first named connecting member, said pivotal connection being so positioned with respect to the other connections that the moments imparted .to the first named connecting member by the power-operated members are equal and opposite about said pivotal connection when the same degree of power is supplied to each of said actuators, power control means for the other of said actuators, an operative connection between the last named power control means and one of said connecting members for operating said last named power control means in response to relative movement of said connecting members, and means for limiting the degree of said relative movement, whereby actuation of the device by said one actuator is insuredin the event of failure or the supply of power to the other of said actuators.
l4, Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having apower-operated movable element, power control means for one of the actuators, means for connecting the elements and device including an actuating member connected with the device and a second member connected with said actuating member and with each of said elements, said second member being adapted for relative movement with respect to said actuating member by said power-operated elements when the degree of power supplied to said actuators varies from a predetermined ratio, and power control means for the other of said actuators having a control element having an operative connection with one of. said members and operable on relative movement of said members to vary the degree of power supplied to the other of said actuators.
l5. Power-operated mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a power-operated movable element, power control means for one of the actuators, means for connecting the elements and device including an actuating member connected with the device and a second mem ber connected with said actuating member and with each. of said elements, said second member being adapted for relative movement with respect to said actuating member by said power-operated elements when the degree of power supplied to said actuators varies from a predetermined ratio, and means for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators including power control means therefor carried by one of said members and provided with a control element having an operative connection with the other of said members.
16. Power-operated control mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of power actuators each having a poweroperated movable element, power control means for one of said actuators, and means for connecting said actuators and device and for controlling the supply of power to the other of said actuators including a lever having spaced connections with each of said elements, a pivotal connection with said device intermediate said spaced connections, and power control means for the other of said actuators having an operating element controlled by rotation of said lever about said pivotal connection.
17. Power-operated control mechanism for controlling the actuation of a device including a pair of fluid actuators each having a pressure 16 pressure to the other oi! said actuators provided with a control element having an operative connection with one 01' said members.
WILFRED A. EATON.
REFERENCES CITED The" following references are of record in the file of this patent:
UNITED sums PATENTS Number Name Date Stevens Aug. 21, 1945
US590672A 1945-04-27 1945-04-27 Fluid pressure servomotor of the follow-up type Expired - Lifetime US2441263A (en)

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2383278A (en) * 1942-10-29 1945-08-21 Westinghouse Air Brake Co Fluid pressure control mechanism

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2383278A (en) * 1942-10-29 1945-08-21 Westinghouse Air Brake Co Fluid pressure control mechanism

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