Method and apparatus for electronically controlling the engagement of coacting propulsion systems

    公开(公告)号:US3915271A

    公开(公告)日:1975-10-28

    申请号:US50907474

    申请日:1974-09-25

    申请人: KOPPERS CO INC

    摘要: An improved method and apparatus for controlling the engagement of coacting portions of primary and auxiliary power systems through the electronic detection of the speed and angular position relationships between the coacting portions and through the control of the speed of one of the power systems to achieve synchronous coupling. Sensors responsive to movement of the coacting portions of the systems generate first and second electrical signals each having electrical characteristics related to the speed and angular position of respective ones of the coacting portions of the two systems. The electrical signals are employed to sense the simultaneous occurrence of a desired speed and angular position relationship between the coacting portions of the system and the coacting portions are moved into engagement in response to the sensing of the desired relationship. A speed control signal is generated in response to the absence of the desired speed relationship between the coacting portions of the systems so as to vary the speed of one of the power sources in a direction tending to effect the desired speed relationship therebetween. The speed and angular position related electrical signals are preferably generated by pulse generators such as shaft encoders driven by the drive shafts of the power sources. The shaft encoders are arranged to provide pulses at a frequency related to shaft speed and at positions within the pulse stream indicative of the positions of coacting interlocking surfaces between driving portions of the two power sources. When, as indicated by the frequencies of the two pulse signals, a differential speed relationship within a predetermined speed difference range exists between two shafts, and when coincidence simultaneously exists between two pulses of the pulse signals, the coacting portions of the power sources are moved into engagement. Because of this coincidence requirement, engagement occurs with both proper speed and proper angular relationships between the coacting portions of the two power sources.