Manual actuator assemblies for fluid control equipment and fluid control equipment having the same.

Abstract

An actuator assembly for a fluid control device. A fluid control device includes: a body, a valve seat, and a control element. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and outlet, and the control element is coupled to a valve stem. The control element and the valve stem are movable relative to a longitudinal axis and biased toward a closed position, in which the control element engages the valve seat. The actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the valve stem and includes a planetary gear drive configured to receive a first rotational speed and transmit a second rotational speed different from the first rotational speed. A shaft has a first end coupled to the drive mechanism and a second end coupled to the valve stem. The second rotational speed is transmitted to the valve stem to move the control element between a closed position and an open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fluid control device, and more particularly, to an actuator assembly for a fluid control device. Background Technology

[0002] An emergency shut-off valve is a valve that actuates rapidly upon detection of a process condition. Typically, an emergency shut-off valve consists of a valve and an emergency shut-off trigger mechanism. When the pressure at certain control points within the valve reaches a fixed set value, it drives a control element to rapidly close the valve's flow path. When certain fixed set values ​​are met, the emergency shut-off valve effectively shuts off fluid to protect downstream components in the system. When the trip condition is cleared, the valve needs to be manually opened to reset the system. However, for large, operated valves, manually resetting the system can be very difficult and requires significant torque. This can be achieved by repeatedly increasing the lever arm of the handle to meet system requirements, which increases the weight of the lever and could pose a danger to the operator if the handle is reversed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The actuator assembly for the axial flow emergency shut-off valve is provided with an anti-rotation yoke mechanism and a planetary gear drive mechanism to change the direction of movement (or drive mode) of the valve's shut-off control element.

[0004] According to a first exemplary aspect, a fluid control device may include a body, a valve seat, and a control element, the body having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The control element may be coupled to a valve stem, wherein the control element and the valve stem are movable along a first axis and biased toward a closed position, in which the control element engages the valve seat. The fluid control device may further include an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly may include a transmission mechanism configured to receive a first rotational speed and transmit a second rotational speed different from the first rotational speed. A shaft may have a first end coupled to the transmission mechanism and a second end operatively coupled to the valve stem. An anti-rotation yoke mechanism may be operatively coupled to the valve stem and the transmission mechanism via the second end of the shaft. The anti-rotation yoke mechanism may be configured to receive the second rotational speed and cause movement of the valve stem and the control element in a translational direction along the first axis.

[0005] According to a second exemplary aspect, a fluid control device may include a body, a valve seat, and a control element. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The control element is coupled to a valve stem. The control element and the valve stem are movable relative to a longitudinal axis and biased toward a closed position, in which the control element engages the valve seat. An actuator assembly may be operatively coupled to the valve stem. The actuator assembly may include a planetary gear transmission mechanism configured to receive a first rotational speed and transmit a second rotational speed different from the first rotational speed. A shaft may have a first end coupled to the transmission mechanism and a second end operatively coupled to the valve stem. The second rotational speed may be transmitted to the valve stem to move the control element between a closed position and an open position, in which the control element is spaced apart from the valve seat.

[0006] According to a third exemplary aspect, an actuator assembly for a fluid control device may include a transmission mechanism, an anti-rotation yoke mechanism, and a shaft. The transmission mechanism may be configured to receive a first rotational speed from the handle and to transmit a second rotational speed different from the first rotational speed. The transmission mechanism may include a sun gear, a plurality of satellites, and a plurality of satellite shafts. The sun gear may receive the first rotational speed and may transmit the second rotational speed to the plurality of satellite shafts via the satellites. The anti-rotation yoke mechanism may be operatively coupled to the valve stem and the transmission mechanism. The anti-rotation yoke mechanism may be configured to receive the second rotational speed and cause movement of the valve stem in a translational direction. The transmission shaft may have a first end coupled to the transmission mechanism and a second end coupled to the anti-rotation yoke mechanism.

[0007] According to a fourth exemplary aspect, a manual actuation assembly for a fluid control device may include a coupling element, a rotatable input device, and a transmission portion, the coupling element being configured to receive a shaft of the fluid control device. The transmission portion may be configured to operatively couple the rotatable input device and the coupling element such that rotation of the rotatable input device causes rotation of the shaft. The transmission portion may include a sun gear and a plurality of satellite gears, the sun gear being configured to rotate together with rotation of the rotatable input device. Each of the plurality of satellite gears may be configured to rotate about the sun gear. The coupling element may be operatively coupled to the plurality of satellite gears.

[0008] According to a fifth exemplary aspect, a manually actuated assembly for a fluid control device may include a rotatable handle, a plurality of satellite gears, a planetary gear carrier, and a coupling member. The rotatable handle is operatively coupled to a sun gear, the plurality of satellite gears are configured to revolve around the sun gear, the planetary gear carrier is coupled to each of the plurality of satellite gears, and the coupling member is coupled to the planetary gear carrier. The coupling member may include a cavity configured to receive a shaft of the fluid control device. A biasing member may be positioned within the cavity to bias the shaft outside the cavity without a force holding the shaft within the cavity.

[0009] According to a sixth exemplary aspect, an actuator assembly for a fluid control device may include a transmission mechanism configured to receive a first rotational speed and transmit a second rotational speed different from the first rotational speed. A shaft may have a first end coupled to the transmission mechanism and a second end operably coupled to the valve stem. An anti-rotation yoke mechanism may be operably coupled to the valve stem and the transmission mechanism via the second end of the shaft. The anti-rotation yoke mechanism may be configured to receive the second rotational speed and cause movement of the valve stem and the control element in a translational direction along the first axis.

[0010] Furthermore, according to any one or more of the foregoing first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth exemplary aspects, the fluid control device, the actuator assembly for the fluid control device, or the manual actuation assembly for the fluid control device may also include any one or more of the following preferred forms.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission mechanism may include a planetary gear assembly, which includes a sun gear, a plurality of satellites, and a plurality of satellite shafts.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the sun gear can receive the first rotational speed and can transmit the second rotational speed to the plurality of satellite axes via the satellite.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission mechanism may include a ring gear fixed to the housing of the transmission mechanism.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the ring gear can be operatively coupled to the plurality of satellites.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission mechanism may include a planetary gear carrier coupled to the plurality of satellite axes.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the planetary gear carrier can be operatively coupled to the shaft.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator assembly may include a spring release mechanism operatively coupled to the transmission mechanism.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the spring release mechanism may include a hole sized to receive the shaft and the spring.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the spring of the spring release mechanism may be configured to bias the shaft when the shaft is coupled to the transmission mechanism.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator assembly may include a coupling assembly comprising the spring release mechanism and a coupling element coupled to the planetary gear carrier.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, when the spring release mechanism is engaged, the coupling member can engage the planetary gear carrier.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator assembly may include a handle positioned outside the body.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the handle may be operably coupled to the transmission mechanism to transmit the first rotational speed to the transmission mechanism.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the handle may be integrally formed with the transmission mechanism.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission mechanism may be at least partially disposed within the valve body.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the planetary gear transmission mechanism may include a sun gear, multiple satellites, and multiple satellite shafts.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the sun gear can receive the first rotational speed and can transmit the second rotational speed to the multiple satellite axes via the multiple satellites.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the shaft can be operatively coupled to the sun gear via a coupling element and a planetary gear carrier.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the planetary gear carrier may be coupled to the plurality of satellite shafts at a first end and to the coupling member at a second end.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element can be sized to receive the first end of the shaft.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the anti-rotation yoke mechanism can be operably coupled to the valve stem and the planetary gear transmission mechanism via the shaft.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the anti-rotation yoke mechanism can be configured to receive the second rotational speed and cause the valve stem and the control element to move in a translational direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the triggering mechanism can respond to fluid pressure.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the triggering mechanism can prevent the shaft from rotating in the rotational direction in a first operating mode and release the shaft to allow the shaft to rotate in the rotational direction in a second operating mode.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling assembly may include a coupling having a first end operably coupled to the satellite axis and a second end accommodating a spring release mechanism.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the spring release mechanism can be removably coupled to the first end of the shaft.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the spring release mechanism may include an expandable bushing and a spring.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the spring release mechanism may be configured to engage the shaft when the shaft is coupled to the transmission mechanism, and the spring release mechanism may be configured to disengage from the shaft when the shaft is decoupled from the transmission mechanism.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the planetary gear carrier may be coupled to the plurality of satellite axes and may be configured to transmit the second rotational speed to the drive shaft.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the ring gear can be fixed to the housing of the transmission mechanism.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the ring gear can be configured to engage the plurality of satellites.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission may include a planetary gear carrier coupled to each of the plurality of satellite gears.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the planetary gear carrier can be coupled to the coupling member.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element may include a cavity configured to receive the shaft.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the biasing member can be positioned within the cavity.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the biasing member can be configured to decouple the coupling member and the shaft when no external force is applied to hold the shaft within the cavity.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the manual actuation component may include a ring gear.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of satellite gears can engage with both the sun gear and the ring gear.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame may engage with the outer surface of the ring gear.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame can be configured to allow the input member to rotate when the ring gear is stationary.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the input shaft can be coupled to the rotatable input device and the sun gear.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the input shaft can be coupled to the rotatable handle and the sun gear.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame may include a hole configured to receive the outer surface of the ring gear.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame may be configured to facilitate rotation of the rotatable handle relative to the ring gear.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the output torque transmitted at the coupling can be greater than the input torque transmitted via the rotation of the rotatable handle.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid actuator may include the actuator assembly and a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid actuator may include a valve seat.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid actuator may include a control element coupled to the valve stem.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the control element and the valve stem are movable along a first axis and biased toward a closed position, in which the control element engages the valve seat.

[0060] Any one or more of these aspects can be considered individually and / or in combination with each other in any functionally appropriate manner. Furthermore, any one or more of these aspects can further include any one or more of the selective exemplary arrangements and / or features described below and / or be implemented as described in any one or more of the selective exemplary arrangements and / or features described below. These and other aspects, arrangements, features, and / or technical effects will become apparent upon detailed examination of the accompanying drawings and the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional side view of an axial flow emergency shut-off valve having an actuator assembly assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 2 It is assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Figure 1 Side view of the valve actuator assembly and valve stem;

[0063] Figure 3 It includes Figure 2 Side view of the actuator assembly's transmission mechanism and the manual actuation assembly of the handle;

[0064] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the manually actuated component;

[0065] Figure 5 It is assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the transmission mechanism of the actuator assembly;

[0066] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Exploded view of the manual actuation component;

[0067] Figure 7 It is aligned with the valve assembled according to the teachings of this disclosure for connection. Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the manually actuated component;

[0068] Figure 8 It is assembled with teachings based on the contents of this disclosure. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a first exemplary valve system for a transmission mechanism;

[0069] Figure 9 shows an assembly with teachings based on this disclosure. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a second exemplary valve system for a transmission mechanism; and

[0070] Figure 10 shows an assembly with teachings based on this disclosure. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third exemplary valve system for a transmission mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0071] exist Figure 1 In this disclosure, an exemplary fluid control device 10 is constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The fluid control device 10 is an axial flow emergency shut-off valve 10 and is operatively coupled to an actuator assembly 14. The axial flow emergency shut-off valve 10 includes a valve body 18 and a valve assembly 22 disposed within the valve body 18. The valve body 18 includes an inlet 26, an outlet 30, and a fluid flow path 34 between the inlet 26 and the outlet 30. The valve body 18 includes a longitudinal axis coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the valve stem 38. The flow path 34 is disposed outside the valve assembly 22 such that the flow path 34 is not limited by the size of the valve assembly 22 and can provide greater flow.

[0072] Valve assembly 22 includes a valve stem 38, a control element 42 coupled to a first end 44 of the valve stem 38, and a spring 46. The valve stem 38 and control element 42 of valve assembly 22 are movable along the longitudinal axis X between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the control element 42 is spaced apart from a valve seat 50; in the closed position, the control element 42 engages with the valve seat 50. The control element 42 is biased toward the closed position by the spring 46. In the closed position, the control element 42 sealably engages the valve seat 50 to prevent fluid flow between the inlet 26 and the outlet 30. In the illustrated example, valve assembly 22 is arranged inside valve cage 54, and flow path 34 is primarily located outside valve assembly 22. The second end 56 of the valve stem 38, opposite the first end 44, is connected to the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60 of actuator assembly 14. The control element 42 moves linearly in the K direction with the valve stem 38 to open valve 10 or moves linearly in the J direction with the valve stem 38 to close valve 10. Although actuator assembly 14 is described in conjunction with an axial valve, actuator assembly 14 can be used with any other process control device (e.g., linear valve, throttle valve, isolation valve, rotary valve and / or any other process control device).

[0073] exist Figure 2The actuator assembly 14, shown in detail, includes a manual actuation assembly 86, a drive shaft 72, and an anti-rotation yoke assembly 60. The manual actuation assembly 86 includes a handle 64, a lever 76, and a transmission mechanism 68. The handle 64, which may be a rotary input device (such as a knob, wheel, etc.), is used to manually open the valve 10 and is connected to the transmission mechanism 68 via the lever 76. The input shaft 80, which may be part of the lever 76 or the transmission mechanism 68, receives a first rotational speed from the lever 76 and the handle 64 and transmits the first rotational speed to the transmission mechanism 68. More specifically, the lever 76 has a square bore that receives the square end of the input shaft 80 to couple the lever 76 to the transmission mechanism 68. The transmission mechanism 68 is configured to amplify the torque transmitted via the handle 64 to an output torque transmitted to the drive shaft 72. The transmission mechanism 68 is coupled to the drive shaft 72 and transmits a second rotational speed and output torque to the shaft 72, which in turn transmits the second rotational speed to move the control element 42 via the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60. The anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60 is connected to the second end 56 of the valve stem 38 of the axial flow emergency shut-off valve 10 and converts the rotational motion of the shaft 72 into the linear motion of the valve stem 38 to open (i.e., reset) the valve 10. Additionally, the transmission mechanism 68 can be configured to amplify or reduce the first torque of the handle 64 to the second torque of the transmission shaft 72.

[0074] Return to Figure 1 The actuator assembly 14 includes a trigger mechanism 84, which is responsive to fluid pressure and is disposed on the outside of the valve body 18. The trigger mechanism 84 is operatively coupled to a first drive portion 88 of the drive shaft 72 of the actuator assembly 14. A second drive portion 92 of the drive shaft 72 is operatively coupled to the valve stem 38 via an anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60. In a first operating mode, the trigger mechanism 84 prevents the drive shaft 72 (via the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60) from rotating against the biasing force applied by the spring 46. In a second operating mode, the trigger mechanism 84 releases the drive shaft 72 to allow the drive shaft 72 (via the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60) to rotate under the biasing force applied by the spring 46.

[0075] like Figure 1As shown, the emergency shut-off valve 10 is in the closed position, causing the control element 42 to engage the valve seat 50 to close the valve 10. To open the valve 10 from this closed position, a handle 64, which can be removed from the valve 10 and is thus removed during normal operation of the valve 10, is connected to the input shaft 80 and rotates about the longitudinal axis Y of the transmission mechanism 68 in a first direction. The input shaft 80 actuates the transmission mechanism 68, which converts the first rotational speed of the input shaft 80 into a second rotational speed of the transmission shaft 72. The rotational motion of the transmission shaft 72 is converted into linear motion by the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60, thereby moving the valve stem 38 and the control element 42 in the translational direction K along the longitudinal axis X of the valve stem 38. In this way, the control element 42 moves away from the valve seat 50 and opens the valve 10. The valve 10 is held in the open position by the trigger mechanism 84, which prevents the transmission shaft 72 from rotating in the absence of an overpressure or underpressure condition where the trigger mechanism 84 has been configured (i.e., in the first, normal operation mode). The relatively small torque applied via handle 64 is multiplied by a significantly larger torque via transmission mechanism 68, thus making the reset operation for opening valve 10 much simpler than the reset operation in known emergency shut-off valves.

[0076] When valve 10 is open, fluid can flow through the opening in valve cage 54 and into flow path 34, and valve 10 will remain in the open position where there is no overpressure or underpressure condition as the trigger mechanism 84 has been configured. When the trigger mechanism 84 detects an overpressure or underpressure condition, the trigger mechanism 84 rotates the drive shaft 72. By rotating the shaft 72, the trigger mechanism 84 thus enables the valve stem 38 and control element 42 to move in direction J under the biasing force provided by spring 46 until control element 42 engages valve seat 50. In this closed position, fluid flow is prevented between inlet 26 and outlet 30. As described above, when the overpressure or underpressure condition is cleared, valve 10 can be reset (i.e., opened) via handle 64.

[0077] exist Figure 2In the illustration, the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60 and the drive shaft 72 are shown independently of the valve body 18 of the valve 10. As used herein, the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60 includes a pin that couples the sliding component (i.e., the valve stem 38) to the rotating component (i.e., the drive shaft 72). In this example, the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60 includes a plate 100, a bolt 104, a bushing 108, and a handle 112. The plate 100 is disposed on the second end 56 of the valve stem 38, and the bolt 104 is mounted to the handle 112, which is connected to the second portion 92 of the drive shaft 72. The bushing 108 is movably disposed on the bolt 104 and operatively coupled to a side surface of the plate 100. In the illustrated example of the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60, the plate 100 is a separate component disposed at the second end 56 of the valve stem 38 and secured to the plate 100 via a fastening member 116. However, in other examples, the plate 100 may be formed as an integral part of the valve stem 38. When the first drive shaft 72 drives the handle 112 to rotate, the bushing 108 (arranged on the bolt 104) will linearly drive the plate 100, thereby moving the valve stem 38 in the J or K direction.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, a first end 120 of the transmission mechanism 68 (via input shaft 80) is coupled to the lever portion 76 of the handle 64, and a second end 124 is coupled to the first transmission portion 88 of the drive shaft 72. A protective end cap 128 is removed from the second end 124 of the transmission mechanism 68 to engage the transmission mechanism 68 with the drive shaft 72. The end cap 128 is attached to the connecting rod 132 for maintenance and remains attached to the transmission mechanism 68 when removed from the second end 124. By separating the input shaft 80 from the lever portion 76, the handle 64 can be removably coupled to the transmission mechanism 68. In other examples, the transmission mechanism 68 may be integrally formed with the lever portion 76 and the handle 64 and operate as a single unit.

[0079] The drive mechanism 68 of the actuator assembly 14 can be configured to amplify the torque applied to the handle 64 and transmit the amplified torque to the valve stem 38 of the axial valve 10 via the anti-rotation yoke assembly 60. The amplified torque transmitted to the valve stem 38 allows the user to more easily and safely overcome the force of the spring 46 and any differential pressure against movement of the flow control member 42 in the K direction to reset the axial valve 10. In this example, the drive mechanism 68 includes a planetary gear drive; however, in other examples, the drive mechanism 68 may be a different gear drive or gearbox with spur gears, fixed-shaft gear structures, worm gear structures, bevel gear structures, or any other suitable drive.

[0080] Turn now Figure 3 and Figure 4The manual actuation assembly 86 is constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure and includes a transmission mechanism 68, a lever 76, and a handle 64. The transmission mechanism 68 includes an input shaft 80, a planetary gear assembly 136, a planetary coupler 140, and a spring release mechanism 144. The transmission mechanism 68 is housed in a housing 145 having a top cover 146 and a bottom cover 147 securely fixed to the top cover 146. The planetary gear assembly 136 of the transmission mechanism 68 described herein is epicyclic and includes a central sun gear 148, a ring gear 152, a plurality of orbital satellite gears 156 rotating around the sun gear 148, and a planetary gear carrier 160. The planetary gear assembly 136 includes a plurality of satellite axes 164, and each satellite axis 164 is coupled to a longitudinal axis P1, P2, P3 of one of the satellite gears 156. Figure 5 Coaxial alignment. During operation, rotation of lever 76 (via handle 64) about axis Y causes input shaft 80 to rotate in the same direction, which in turn causes sun gear 148 to rotate in the same direction. The rotation of sun gear 148 is caused by the engagement of satellite gear 156 with the toothed center portion of sun gear 148 and ring gear 152 (see...). Figure 5 Satellite gear 156 rotates on its own axis in a direction opposite to that of sun gear 148, but revolves around the sun gear 148 in the same direction. Satellite shaft 164 couples each satellite gear 156 to planetary gear carrier 160, which rotates together with the satellite gear 156 (in the same direction as sun gear 148), causing drive shaft 72 to rotate via planetary coupler 140.

[0081] Figure 5 The planetary gear assembly 136 is shown in more detail. The ring gear 152 remains stationary and is fixed between the top cover 146 and the bottom cover 147 of the transmission housing 145 of the transmission mechanism 68. The ring gear 152 has an inner surface with a smooth top portion adjacent to the sun gear 148, including ring gear teeth V adjacent to the satellite gear 156. R The middle section and the smooth bottom section adjacent to the planetary gear carrier 160. Ring gear teeth V R Configured to be in conjunction with satellite gear V P Engagement. Satellite gear teeth V P Also with the V gear teeth of the sun gear 148 SEngagement. When the planetary gear assembly 136 is activated, the sun gear 148 rotates about the longitudinal axis Y of the transmission mechanism 68 and the satellite gear 156 revolves about the longitudinal axis Y of the transmission mechanism 68. The sun gear 148 is operatively coupled to the input shaft 80 via a rigid connection (e.g., a threaded connection, a square-to-square connection) such that the sun gear 148 rotates in a direction R that matches the input rotation direction of the input shaft 80. S Rotation. When the sun gear 148 rotates along R... S When rotating in the direction, the gear teeth V of the sun gear 148 S Engaging satellite gear 156 gear teeth V P This causes each of the satellite gears 156 to rotate in the opposite direction R. P Rotate about each corresponding axis P1, P2, and P3. Simultaneously, satellite gear 156 rotates along R... O The direction revolves around the sun gear 148. When the satellite gear 156 revolves along R... O During the revolution in the direction, each shaft 164 of the satellite gear 156 also moves along R. O Directional movement. The satellite axis 164 is coupled to the planetary gear carrier 160 via a fixed connector (e.g., a threaded connector, a square-to-square connector), thereby moving along the direction R. C Rotating planetary gear carrier 160. Coupled to Figure 1 The planetary gear carrier 160 of the drive shaft 72 causes the drive shaft 72 to move along R C Rotational direction. Each rotation of the sun gear 148 causes the satellite gear 156 to partially revolve around the sun gear 148; therefore, the output rotational speed is less than the input rotational speed. Because the force applied to the sun gear 148 is transmitted to a larger radius (i.e., the distance between the Y-axis and any axis P1, P2, P3, etc. of the satellite gear 156), the output torque is greater than the input torque.

[0082] In the illustrated example, planetary gear assembly 136 includes three satellite gears 156. However, in other examples, planetary gear assembly 136 may have any number (two or more) of satellite gears 156 orbiting around sun gear 148. The orbital satellite gears 156 have approximately the same dimensions relative to sun gear 148. In other examples, the geometry between satellite gears 156 and sun gear 148 may differ to achieve desired torque amplification and speed reduction. Planetary gear assembly 136 is a single-stage planetary gear drive where the input torque and rotational speed of handle 64 are converted into a higher output torque and a lower output rotational speed in one stage. Other embodiments may include multi-stage planetary gear drives that can amplify input torque and reduce input rotational speed to varying degrees, which can be controlled by the user by activating or deactivating one or more stages.

[0083] The manual actuation assembly 86 described herein is configured to increase the torque transmitted to the actuator assembly 22 in a compact device. The gear ratios of the satellite gear 156, sun gear 148, and ring gear 152 are determined to achieve the desired torque amplification.

[0084] Return to Figure 3 Planetary coupler 140 is operatively coupled to planetary gear carrier 160 via a fixed connection (e.g., a threaded connection, a square-to-square connection), and when planetary gear assembly 136 is actuated, planetary coupler 140 rotates freely within the bottom cover 147 of drive housing 145. Although the example shown illustrates planetary coupler 140 coupled to and separate from planetary gear carrier 160, in alternative examples, the functions of planetary gear carrier 160 and planetary coupler 140 can be combined into a single component. At the opposite end of planetary gear carrier 160, planetary coupler 140 is operatively coupled to spring release mechanism 144. More specifically, coupler 140 includes a first hole 170 extending into a wider second hole 172. The first hole 170 is inserted over a first portion 88 of drive shaft 72 to reset valve 10. The rotation of the drive shaft 72 can be caused by coupling the planetary coupler 140 with the drive shaft 72, for example, via the square hole 170 that receives the corresponding square first part 88.

[0085] An expandable bushing 174 is disposed in the first bore 170 and positions a spring 176 extending through the first bore 170 and the second bore 172. The spring 176 and bushing 174 together form a spring release mechanism 144, configured to disengage the coupler 140 from the first portion 88 of the drive shaft 72 unless the drive mechanism 68 is securely held onto the first portion 88 of the drive shaft 72 by the operator during use. If the connection between the drive shaft 72 and the manual actuation assembly 86 is not secure (e.g., the handle 64 slips from the operator's grip), the spring release mechanism 144 disengages the coupler 140 from the drive shaft 72. Specifically, when the bore 172 is not securely held onto the drive shaft 72, the spring 176 ejects the drive shaft 72 from the bore 172 of the coupler 140.

[0086] The operation of the spring release mechanism 144 enhances safety because it allows the operator to release the manual actuation component 86 during the reset operation, causing the transmission mechanism 68 to automatically disengage from the drive shaft 72 if a situation arises that would make continuing the reset operation unsafe. For example, if the operator's handle slips off the handle 64, the operator can release the manual actuation component 86 to disengage the drive shaft 72 and prevent the lever 76 from dangerously rotating in the reverse direction under the force of the spring 176. The spring release mechanism 144 also ensures that the transmission mechanism 68 automatically disengages from the drive shaft 72 when the reset operation is complete. If the transmission mechanism 68 does not disengage from the drive shaft 72 after the reset operation, the lever 76 will dangerously rotate when the trigger mechanism 84 closes the valve 10.

[0087] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a removable end cap 128 is coupled to the bottom cover 147 of the drive housing 145, thereby protecting the spring release mechanism 144. The end cap 128 is removed from the bottom cover 147 to allow insertion of the first portion 88 of the drive shaft 72 into the hole 170. For convenience, the end cap 128 is connected to a support frame 180, which is fixed to the drive mechanism 68 between the top cover 146 and the bottom cover 147 of the housing 145. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the support frame 180 is positioned around the outer surface of the ring gear 152, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the hole in the support frame 180 (e.g., rectangular, square, hexagonal, etc.), ensuring that the support frame 180 and the ring gear 152 are rotatably coupled. The support frame 180 is held in place along the longitudinal axis Y by means of a top cover 146 and a bottom cover 147 that are threadedly coupled to each other. The shape of the support frame 180 is designed to engage a bracket 89 coupled to the valve body 18 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 7 The engagement of the support frame 180 with the bracket 89 generates a reaction force that holds the ring gear 152 in a stationary position when the operator rotates the lever 76 relative to the ring gear 152. Although the support frame 180 is described and illustrated as being able to engage with the bracket 89, in other examples, the shape of the support frame 180 may be designed to engage the actuator assembly 14 or other parts of the valve 10 to provide the same reaction force function.

[0088] Figure 7 It shows that it is at least partially set in the valve (such as Figure 1 The first portion 88 of the drive shaft 72 in valve 10) is aligned. Figure 3-6The manual actuation assembly 86 is shown. The manual actuation assembly 86 can be completely removed from the valve 10, and the manual actuation assembly 86 can be rotatably coupled to the drive shaft 72 of the actuator assembly 14 disposed in the valve body 18 by aligning the hole 172 of the second end 124 of the transmission mechanism 68 with the first portion 88 of the drive shaft 72.

[0089] exist Figure 8-1 In 0, the first exemplary valve system 200, the second exemplary valve system 300, and the third exemplary valve system 400 are combined with Figure 1-3 Different configurations of the valve and actuator assembly 14, and constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Figure 8 In this example, the first exemplary valve system 200 is a modular system having separate handles 210, actuation mechanisms 220, and control valves 230. Each component is individually constructed and attached for ease of operation. In this case, both the actuation mechanism 220 and the handle 210 are at least partially located outside the valve body of the valve 230. The valve 230 in this example may be an axial flow valve, such as... Figure 1 The control valve 10. In Figure 9, the second exemplary valve system 300 includes a handle 310 and a control valve with an integrated actuation mechanism 350. In this example, the handle 310 can be attached to the integrated valve to actuate the actuation mechanism, which can be at least partially disposed within the valve body. Finally, Figure 10 shows a third exemplary valve system 400. In this configuration, the manual actuation assembly 460 includes a handle integrated with the actuation mechanism. The manual actuation assembly 460 is detachable from the valve 430. This schematic system 400 may represent Figure 1-7 The manual actuation component 86.

[0090] In this disclosure, the actuator assembly 14, the drive mechanism 68, and the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60 employ a modular design, which facilitates installation and maintenance. Standardized, universal, or serialized components can be used in the drive mechanism 68 and the anti-rotation yoke mechanism 60, which facilitates production at a lower cost. Furthermore, the planetary gear assembly 136 provides a lightweight torque amplification unit that offers high load-bearing capacity and an overall compact structure. The drive mechanism 68 advantageously enables sufficient torque to be generated to safely reset the valve 10 without increasing the length of the lever 76 or requiring significant (and potentially unsafe) manual force. In an alternative embodiment, the lever 76 can be replaced by a handwheel. Although the manual actuation assembly 86 has been described in the context of its use in conjunction with the emergency shut-off valve 10, the manual actuation assembly 86 can be used to provide torque amplification for any type of rotary actuation for fluid control devices such as butterfly valves, ball valves, etc., in a compact design.

[0091] Additionally, the manual actuation assembly 86 advantageously provides a fail-safe spring release mechanism 144 to prevent injury to the operator. For example, during manual reset of a known valve, the reverse force of the handle can injure the operator and may also affect the valve's function. However, in the disclosed example, when the operator releases the manual actuation assembly 86, the spring release mechanism 144 pushes the handle 64 and the transmission mechanism 68 out of engagement with the rest of the actuator assembly 14, thereby protecting the operator from damage and protecting the valve 10 from further malfunction.

[0092] The accompanying drawings and descriptions provided herein are for illustrative purposes only, depicting and describing preferred embodiments of the axial adjuster. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative embodiments of the components shown herein can be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Therefore, upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand other alternative structures and functional designs for the axial adjuster. Thus, although specific embodiments and applications have been described and illustrated, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise constructions and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, alterations, and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and components disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manually actuated assembly for a fluid control device, comprising: A coupling element, the coupling element including a cavity and configured to receive the shaft of the fluid control device; A biasing member, which is positioned within the cavity; Rotatable input device; as well as A transmission section configured to operatively couple the rotatable input device and the coupling member, such that rotation of the rotatable input device causes rotation of the shaft, wherein the transmission section includes: Sun gear, configured to rotate together with the rotation of the rotatable input device; and A plurality of satellite gears, each configured to revolve around the sun gear, wherein the coupling element is operatively coupled to the plurality of satellite gears.

2. The manual actuation component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component also includes a planetary gear carrier, which is coupled to each of the plurality of satellite gears.

3. The manual actuation component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The planetary gear carrier is coupled to the coupling member.

4. The manual actuation component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biasing member is configured to decouple the coupling member from the shaft when no external force is applied to hold the shaft within the cavity.

5. The manual actuation component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a ring gear, wherein each of the plurality of satellite gears engages with the sun gear and the ring gear.

6. The manually actuated assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame that engages with the outer surface of the ring gear, wherein the support frame is configured to allow the rotatable input device to rotate when the ring gear is stationary.

7. The manual actuation component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an input shaft that is coupled to the rotatable input device and the sun gear.

8. A manually actuated assembly for a fluid control device, comprising: A rotatable handle, which is operatively coupled to the sun gear; Multiple satellite gears, the multiple satellite gears being configured to revolve around the sun gear; A planetary gear carrier, which is coupled to each of the plurality of satellite gears; A coupling element coupled to the planetary gear carrier, wherein the coupling element includes a cavity configured to receive a shaft of the fluid control device, and wherein a biasing member is positioned within the cavity to bias the shaft to the outside of the cavity without a force holding the shaft within the cavity.

9. The manual actuation assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes an input shaft that is coupled to the rotatable handle and the sun gear.

10. The manual actuation assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a ring gear, wherein each of the plurality of satellite gears is configured to engage the sun gear and the ring gear.

11. The manual actuation assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame having a hole configured to receive the outer surface of the ring gear, wherein the support frame is configured to facilitate rotation of the rotatable handle relative to the ring gear.

12. The manually actuated assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The output torque transmitted at the coupling is greater than the input torque transmitted via the rotation of the rotatable handle.

13. An actuator assembly, characterized in that, include: A transmission mechanism configured to receive a first rotational speed and transmit a second rotational speed different from the first rotational speed, the transmission mechanism including a planetary gear assembly including a sun gear, a plurality of satellites, a plurality of satellite shafts and a ring gear; A shaft having a first end coupled to the transmission mechanism and a second end operatively coupled to a valve stem; as well as An anti-rotation yoke mechanism, which is operatively coupled to the valve stem and the transmission mechanism via a second end of the shaft, is configured to receive the second rotational speed and cause the valve stem and the control element to move in the translational direction along a first axis; A coupling assembly including a coupling having a first end operatively coupled to the plurality of satellite axes and a second end receiving a spring-release mechanism removably coupled to the first end of the axis; The sun gear is operatively coupled to the shaft and receives the first rotational speed and transmits the second rotational speed to the satellite shaft via the satellite.

14. The actuator assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a planetary gear carrier coupled to the plurality of satellite axes, the planetary gear carrier being operatively coupled to the axes.

15. The actuator assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The spring release mechanism includes an expandable bushing and a spring, the spring release mechanism engaging the shaft when the shaft is coupled to the transmission mechanism, and disengaging the shaft when the shaft is decoupled from the transmission mechanism.

16. A fluid control device comprising the actuator assembly of claim 13, comprising: The body has an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet; Valve seat; as well as A control element coupled to a valve stem, wherein the control element and the valve stem are movable along a first axis and biased toward a closed position, in which the control element engages the valve seat.

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