US-20260126060-A1 - TRANSFER VALVE WITH DUAL AUTHORITY CONTROL PORTING

US20260126060A1US 20260126060 A1US20260126060 A1US 20260126060A1US-20260126060-A1

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a transfer valve with dual authority control porting. The transfer valve has a hydraulic cylinder having a cylindrical wall extending between first and second ends. The cylindrical wall has hydraulic ports therethrough for facilitating operation of the transfer valve. Within the hydraulic cylinder, a bilaterally moveable spool is axially moveable between first and second positions. The bilaterally moveable spool defines hydraulic chambers within the hydraulic cylinder. In the first position, the hydraulic chambers and the hydraulic ports form a fluidly conductive path between a first source and a first application, and another between a second source and a second application. In the second position, the cavities and the hydraulic ports form a fluidly conductive path between the first source and the second application, and another between spool positioning cavities of the transfer valve and the first application.

Inventors

Wayne Johnson
Michael Ferrarotti

Assignees

HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20241101

Claims (20)

1 . A hydraulic transfer valve with fail-safe positioning capability, the transfer valve comprising: a hydraulic cylinder having a cylindrical wall extending between first and second ends; the cylindrical wall having a plurality of hydraulic ports therethrough including a pair of spool-controller ports, a pair of actuator-controller ports, and a pair of hydraulic-actuator ports; and a bilaterally moveable spool axially moveable between first and second positions within the hydraulic cylinder, the bilaterally moveable spool having a plurality of sealing lands, integrally formed, which are configured to provide hydraulic seals with an interior surface of the cylindrical wall, thereby defining a plurality of hydraulic chambers within the hydraulic cylinder including a pair of spool-positioning chambers at ends of the bilaterally moveable spool, each of the pair of spool-positioning chambers in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports, wherein: the plurality of hydraulic chambers is configured to provide fluid communication between each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, the plurality of sealing lands configured to isolate each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports from a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, and the plurality of hydraulic chambers is further configured to provide fluid communication between each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and the corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
2 . The transfer valve of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of hydraulic chambers includes a pair of actuator-switching chambers, each between corresponding axially adjacent pairs of the plurality of sealing lands.
3 . The transfer valve of claim 2 , wherein one of the pair of spool-controller ports is elongated and/or is a double port that is/are in fluid communication with the corresponding one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, and in fluid communication with both the corresponding one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers and a corresponding one of the pair of actuator-switching chambers, in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position, thereby facilitating both movement of the bilaterally moveable spool and positioning of the actuator that is in fluid communication with the hydraulic-actuator ports in a fail-safe position.
4 . The transfer valve of claim 2 , wherein the cylindrical wall includes a channel on an inside surface, the channel spanning a sealing land positioned between one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers and an actuator-switching chamber adjacent thereto, thereby facilitating fluid communication therebetween.
5 . The transfer valve of claim 1 , wherein the pair of actuator-controller ports is a first pair of actuator-controller ports and the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports is a first pair of hydraulic-actuator ports, the plurality of hydraulic ports further includes: a second pair of actuator-control ports; and a second pair of hydraulic-actuator ports, wherein: the plurality of hydraulic chambers is further configured to provide fluid communication between each of the second pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the second pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, the plurality of sealing lands is configured to isolate each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports from a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, and the plurality of hydraulic chambers is further configured to provide fluid communication between each of the second pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and the corresponding one of the first pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
6 . The hydraulic transfer valve of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of hydraulic chambers includes first, second, third, and fourth actuator-switching chambers.
7 . The hydraulic transfer valve of claim 6 , wherein the first pair of actuator-controller ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the first and fourth actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and in fluid communication with the first and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
8 . The hydraulic transfer valve of claim 7 , wherein the second pair of actuator-controller ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the second and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and blocked from fluid communication with any of the plurality of hydraulic chambers by two of the plurality of sealing lands in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
9 . The hydraulic transfer valve of claim 8 , wherein the first pair of hydraulic-actuator ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the second and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and in fluid communication with the one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers and the fourth actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
10 . The hydraulic transfer valve of claim 9 , wherein the second pair of hydraulic-actuator ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the second and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and in fluid communication with the first and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
11 . A hydraulic system comprising: a hydraulic actuator configured to control position of a kinematic device; an actuator controller configured to control position of the hydraulic actuator, thereby controlling the position of the kinematic device; a transfer-valve controller; and a transfer valve including: a hydraulic cylinder having a cylindrical wall extending between first and second ends; the cylindrical wall having a plurality of hydraulic ports therethrough including a pair of spool-controller ports in hydraulic communication with the transfer-valve controller, a pair of actuator-controller ports in hydraulic communication with the actuator controller, and a pair of hydraulic-actuator ports in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic actuator; and a bilaterally moveable spool axially moveable between first and second positions within the hydraulic cylinder, the bilaterally moveable spool having a plurality of sealing lands configured to provide hydraulic seals with an interior surface of the cylindrical wall, thereby defining a plurality of hydraulic chambers within the hydraulic cylinder including a pair of spool-positioning chambers at ends of the bilaterally moveable spool, each of the pair of spool-positioning chambers in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports, wherein: the plurality of hydraulic chambers is configured to provide fluid communication between each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position; the plurality of sealing lands is configured to isolate each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports from a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, and the plurality of hydraulic chambers is further configured to provide fluid communication between each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
12 . The hydraulic system of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of hydraulic chambers includes a pair of actuator-switching chambers, each between corresponding axially adjacent pairs of the plurality of sealing lands.
13 . The hydraulic system of claim 12 , wherein one of the pair of spool-controller ports is elongated and/or is a double port that is/are in fluid communication with the corresponding one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, and in fluid communication with both the corresponding one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers and a corresponding one of the pair of actuator-switching chambers, in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position, thereby facilitating both movement of the bilaterally moveable spool and positioning of the actuator that is in fluid communication with the hydraulic-actuator ports in a fail-safe position.
14 . The hydraulic system of claim 12 , wherein the cylindrical wall includes a channel on an inside surface, the channel spanning a sealing land positioned between one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers and an actuator-switching chamber adjacent thereto, thereby facilitating fluid communication therebetween.
15 . The hydraulic system of claim 11 , wherein the pair of actuator-controller ports is a first pair of actuator-controller ports and the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports is a first pair of hydraulic-actuator ports, the plurality of hydraulic ports further includes: a second pair of actuator-control ports; and a second pair of actuator-positioning ports, wherein: the plurality of hydraulic chambers is further configured to provide fluid communication between each of the second pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the second pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position, and the plurality of hydraulic chambers is further configured to provide fluid communication between each of the second pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the first pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
16 . The hydraulic system of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of hydraulic chambers includes first, second, third, and fourth actuator-switching chambers.
17 . The hydraulic system of claim 16 , wherein the first pair of actuator-controller ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the first and fourth actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and in fluid communication with the first and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
18 . The hydraulic system of claim 17 , wherein the second pair of actuator-controller ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the second and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and blocked from fluid communication with any of the plurality of hydraulic chambers by two of the plurality of sealing lands in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
19 . The hydraulic system of claim 18 , wherein the first pair of hydraulic-actuator ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the second and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and in fluid communication with the one of the pair of spool-positioning chambers and the fourth actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.
20 . The hydraulic system of claim 19 , wherein the second pair of hydraulic-actuator ports is axially positioned to be in fluid communication with the second and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position and in fluid communication with the first and third actuator-switching chambers in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position.

Description

BACKGROUND A linear hydraulic actuator can be used to position a kinematic device, sometimes via an intermediate linking mechanism. A linear hydraulic actuator typically has a bilaterally moveable piston within a hydraulic cylinder. On either side of the bilaterally moveable piston are hydraulic chambers which are typically filled with hydraulic fluid. An unbalanced pressure (i.e., a non-zero differential pressure across the bilaterally moveable piston) applied to the hydraulic fluids in the hydraulic chambers on opposite sides of the bilaterally moveable piston generates a force that can move the bilaterally moveable piston, which can then position the kinematic device coupled thereto. The displacement of the bilaterally moveable piston is in the direction of a central axis of the hydraulic piston. Because hydraulic fluids are typically incompressible (or nearly so), a hydraulic controller of the linear hydraulic actuator can provide precise linear displacement of the bilaterally moveable piston. Hydraulic systems are used to manipulate or operate various kinematic devices in aircraft, especially larger aircraft. Such kinematic devices, which can be hydraulically manipulated or operated, can include moveable airfoil surfaces, landing gear deployment and retraction mechanisms, turbofan engine control devices, etc. Some kinematic devices can be moved in a fail-safe position, should the kinematic device's hydraulic controller become inoperable, for whatever reason. Other kinematic devices are more important, and the operation thereof should continue in spite of any malfunction of a hydraulic controller. SUMMARY Some embodiments relate to a transfer valve with fail-safe positioning capability. The transfer valve includes a bilaterally moveable spool within a hydraulic cylinder. The transfer valve has a cylindrical wall extending between first and second ends. A plurality of hydraulic ports is formed through the cylindrical wall. This plurality of ports includes a pair of spool-controller ports, a pair of actuator-controller ports, and a pair of hydraulic-actuator ports. The bilaterally moveable spool is axially moveable between first and second positions within the hydraulic cylinder. The bilaterally moveable spool has a plurality of sealing lands configured to provide hydraulic seals with an interior surface of the cylindrical wall, thereby defining a plurality of hydraulic chambers within the hydraulic cylinder. This plurality of hydraulic chambers includes a pair of spool-positioning chambers at ends of the bilaterally moveable spool. Each of the pair of spool-positioning chambers is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports. The plurality of hydraulic chambers is configured to provide fluid communication between each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first position. The plurality of hydraulic chambers is further configured to provide fluid communication between each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the second position. Some embodiments relate to a hydraulic system including a hydraulic actuator, an actuator controller, a transfer-valve controller, and a transfer-valve. The hydraulic actuator is configured to control position of a kinematic device. The actuator controller is configured to control position of the hydraulic actuator, thereby controlling the position of the kinematic device. The transfer valve has a cylindrical wall extending between first and second ends 40 and 42. The cylindrical wall has a plurality of hydraulic ports therethrough including a pair of spool-controller ports in hydraulic communication with the transfer-valve controller, a pair of actuator-controller ports in hydraulic communication with the actuator controller, and a pair of hydraulic-actuator ports in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic actuator. The bilaterally moveable spool is axially moveable between first and second positions within the hydraulic cylinder. The bilaterally moveable spool has a plurality of sealing lands configured to provide hydraulic seals with an interior surface of the cylindrical wall, thereby defining a plurality of hydraulic chambers within the hydraulic cylinder. This plurality of hydraulic chambers includes a pair of spool-positioning chambers at ends of the bilaterally moveable spool. Each of the pair of spool-positioning chambers is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the pair of spool-controller ports. The plurality of hydraulic chambers is configured to provide fluid communication between each of the pair of hydraulic-actuator ports and a corresponding one of the pair of actuator-controller ports in response to the bilaterally moveable spool being moved to the first