Synchronization of a manually operated clutch for an actuator

Abstract

In order to improve the manual operation of an actuator (1), a novel clutch (4, 6) is proposed, which has at least one movable protrusion (12) that can be moved axially along the coupling axis (11) of the clutch (4, 6) relative to the element (8) that carries the protrusion (12). This design has the advantage that the clutch (4, 6) can be engaged in all cases even if the protrusion (12) is not yet in the correct rotational coupling position (18), since the protrusion (12) can always be transferred into the coupling position (18) by a rotational movement (24, 25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a clutch including a coupling element and a mating coupling element, wherein the coupling element and the mating coupling element are movable relative to each other in a first axial movement to engage or disengage. Secondly, this disclosure relates to an actuator for actuating, for example, a control element of a valve via a driven member of the actuator. The actuator includes a drive motor, a handwheel, a motor clutch for interrupting a first power transmission system from the drive motor to the driven member, and a handwheel clutch for interrupting a second power transmission system from the handwheel to the driven member.

[0002] Additionally, this disclosure relates to accompanying methods, namely a first method for engaging a clutch coupling element and a mating coupling element; and a further method for switching between two power transmission systems of an actuator having a drive motor and a driven member that can be driven by the drive motor. Background Technology

[0003] In process technology plants, liquids, gases, vapors, and particles need to pass through pipelines. Industrial valves are used to suppress or release the flow of such media and to control the resulting flow rate by opening or closing the valves. Actuators, as described above, can be remotely controlled from a control room to safely operate such valves.

[0004] Typically, such actuators require a control signal and an energy source. The control signal can be relatively low energy and can be voltage or current, pneumatic or hydraulic fluid pressure, or even human power. The main energy source of the actuator can be current, hydraulic pressure, or pneumatic pressure.

[0005] When the actuator receives a control signal, it responds by converting the energy of the source into mechanical motion, thereby controlling the control element. Actuators can be used for valve automation: they can provide multi-turn actuation, especially at variable speeds, or provide automatic, particularly electrically operated motion with an oscillation angle of less than 360°, or linear motion for actuating specific control elements.

[0006] To allow for safe actuation in emergency situations and to permit manual operation of the actuator, such as during standard maintenance and factory installation, existing electric actuators typically include a handwheel for manual operation. In this case, the user provides the energy source to drive the actuator, i.e., the valve attached to the actuator can be manually actuated during commissioning, assembly, or maintenance.

[0007] During normal operation, the handwheel is released and therefore not connected to the power transmission system. In emergency situations or during maintenance, particularly when the drive motor is off, the handwheel can be connected to the power transmission system via a handwheel clutch, thereby allowing a manual drive mode in which the driven component (and thus valves) can be manually operated using the handwheel.

[0008] For this reason, actuators in the prior art typically use claw clutches. A claw clutch (also known as a claw gear) is a type of clutch that connects two rotating shafts or other rotating components not by friction but by an interference fit or clearance fit. The two components of the clutch are designed to push against each other, thereby causing them to rotate at the same speed. While such a design offers the advantage of transmitting power through the clutch without slippage, it is possible that the operator may not be able to quickly engage the clutch components due to the two components being in an unsuitable relative rotational position. This poses a serious safety problem, as manual drive mode may not always be easily accessible without prior repositioning of the corresponding one or more rotational positions of the handwheel and / or claws (relative to each other). Summary of the Invention

[0009] Against this backdrop, the object of the present invention is to increase the safety of operation in such a manually driven mode. In particular, it is desirable that the handwheel can be connected to the power transmission system of the actuator in all circumstances.

[0010] According to the present invention, a clutch is provided that solves the aforementioned problems because the clutch can be used as a handwheel clutch for connecting a handwheel to an actuator in a power transmission system. In particular, a clutch as described at the outset is proposed, further characterized in that the clutch includes a protrusion capable of performing a second axial movement independent of the first axial movement (resulting in engagement or disengagement between the connecting element and the mating connecting element). In other words, the protrusion can perform the second axial movement when one (or both) of the connecting element and the mating connecting element is stationary.

[0011] Such a clutch can be specifically used to interrupt the power transmission system from the handwheel to the driven member of an actuator with a drive motor, as will be outlined below. The clutch can also be designed to allow force and / or torque to be transmitted from the drive motor of the actuator to the driven member, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0012] The clutch proposed herein can be understood as a mechanical device that engages and disengages a power transmission mechanism, specifically from a drive shaft (drive member) to a driven shaft (driven member); thus, the driven member can provide output power for actuating the control element, and the driven member can be in the form of an output shaft. The drive member can be part of a transmission mechanism driven by a drive motor (in the case of a motor clutch); or the drive member can be, for example, a handwheel (in the case of a handwheel clutch).

[0013] The protrusion (movable protrusion) that performs the second axial movement can be designed in various shapes; for example, the clutch can have, for instance, two such movable protrusions that can perform the second axial movement (simultaneously together or independently of each other), or the clutch can have only one such movable protrusion. When using two movable protrusions, it is preferable that these protrusions are positioned within two opposing half-spaces separated by a plane containing the coupling axis of the clutch. This allows the clutch to safely transmit higher torque.

[0014] In some advantageous embodiments, the protrusion can be axially oriented, for example, like the claw of a claw clutch.

[0015] The main advantage of such a clutch is that—due to the additional degree of freedom provided by the second axial movement—it can be engaged and disengaged independently of any unexpected rotational position of the connecting element or the mating connecting element, as will become apparent from the further explanation below. In other words, the clutch can be operated in all cases, particularly independently of the actual rotational position of one of the connecting elements, especially the connecting element of the power transmission system connected to the actuator.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments for solving the above problems exist, and these further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and hereinafter:

[0017] For example, it is generally recommended that the connecting element and / or the mating connecting element be moved to an axially engaged position by the first axial movement.

[0018] For example, according to the first embodiment, the mating coupling element may be axially immovable / fixed (i.e., prevented from adjustment / non-adjustable); in this particular case, the coupling element may be moved relative to the mating coupling element to the axial engagement position.

[0019] According to the second embodiment, the connecting element may be axially immovable / fixed; in this case, the mating connecting element may be moved relative to the connecting element to the axial engagement position.

[0020] These two embodiments can also be combined, in which case both elements can move axially such that the first axial movement can be divided into the axial movement of the mating connecting element and the axial movement of the connecting element (typically, these two movements can occur in opposite directions).

[0021] With respect to at least one movable protrusion, the protrusion can be moved to an axially engaged position via the second axial movement. By performing this second engagement movement of the movable protrusion, once the protrusion is in the axially engaged position, force and / or torque can be transmitted (or at least can be transmittable) between the two elements of the clutch. In other words, preferably, the force and / or torque can be transmitted from one coupling element to the other via the protrusion.

[0022] From different perspectives, the transmission of force and / or torque transmitted from the mating coupling element to the coupling element via the protrusion (or vice versa) can be interrupted by separating the coupling element from the mating coupling element. Therefore, depending on the relative rotational position between the mating coupling element and the coupling element, the first axial movement can directly result in engagement of the two elements (i.e., the coupling element and the mating coupling element) (if the protrusion is already in the engagement position); or separation can be achieved by moving the protrusion into the engagement position after the two elements have moved axially (relative to each other), particularly after relative rotation between the coupling element and the mating coupling element.

[0023] The (at least one movable) protrusion can therefore be designed for direct engagement with the coupling element. In this particular case, the protrusion can be carried by the mating coupling element and / or the protrusion can be movable relative to the mating coupling element.

[0024] Alternatively, the protrusion may be designed to directly engage with the mating coupling element. In this particular case, the protrusion may be carried by the coupling element and / or the protrusion may be movable relative to the coupling element.

[0025] These two alternatives can also be used together, in which case the clutch will include two movable protrusions, the first protrusion being movable relative to the coupling element and the second protrusion being movable relative to the mating coupling element.

[0026] These two protrusions can also be used together to achieve engagement of two connecting elements, that is, the two protrusions can transmit force and / or torque between the protrusions. In such cases, (in some designs) there may be no direct interference between the protrusions and their corresponding opposing connecting elements.

[0027] The clutch may further include a handwheel. For example, the handwheel may be non-rotatably connected to the mating coupling element or the coupling element. In such a design, the protrusion may actually be carried by the handwheel and / or the protrusion may be axially movable relative to the handwheel.

[0028] When the clutch is equipped with a handwheel, the handwheel can be axially movable relative to the coupling element or the mating coupling element; therefore, the handwheel can perform at least a portion of the second axial movement of the protrusion.

[0029] Specifically, the protrusion may actually be immobile relative to the handwheel, such that the protrusion and the handwheel together perform the second axial movement. Alternatively, the protrusion may be axially movable relative to the handwheel, such that the protrusion performs at least a portion of the second axial movement relative to the handwheel.

[0030] To achieve a compact design, the handwheel itself can form one of the connecting element and the mating connecting element (particularly one piece), preferably the mating connecting element.

[0031] In another suitable design that can be particularly used as a handwheel clutch, the clutch has a coupling element designed to engage with another mating coupling element of another clutch, particularly a motor clutch. This can be achieved if the mating coupling element has (at least one) another protrusion for engaging with another mating coupling element of the other clutch. In particular, this other protrusion, which can be positioned relative to the movable protrusion of the clutch at the opposite end of the coupling element, can be designed to engage with or form the driven member of the actuator.

[0032] Therefore, the mating coupling element can provide at least one contact surface for direct engagement with the coupling element. This contact surface can be oriented along the coupling axis to easily allow engagement with the coupling element.

[0033] The motor clutch of the aforementioned actuator can be designed to interrupt the power transmission system from the drive motor of the actuator to the driven member.

[0034] Ideally, the protrusion can move in the opposite direction along the coupling axis of the clutch, overcoming the reset force provided by the reset member. In such a design, it is preferable that the reset member pushes the protrusion (to engage with the coupling element or the mating coupling element).

[0035] The clutch element carrying the protrusion (e.g., this could be the mating coupling element or the connecting element) may also have a groove in which the protrusion can move axially relative to the element within a certain axial range (e.g., enter and exit). This free movement into and out of the groove enables a mechanism in which the element can drive the protrusion to rotate about the coupling axis of the clutch as long as the protrusion is within the axial range. This is because, as long as the protrusion is in the groove, the element can transmit rotational force to the protrusion via the groove.

[0036] To achieve the objectives mentioned at the outset, an actuator that solves the aforementioned problems is also provided. Specifically, an actuator as described at the outset is provided, further characterized in that the handwheel clutch is a clutch as previously described or according to any of the claims relating to a clutch. In particular, in this actuator design, the connecting element can be shared by the handwheel and the motor clutch.

[0037] Therefore, an alternative or alternative way to distinguish this particular actuator from known devices is that the motor clutch and the handwheel clutch share a common connecting element that can be switched from engaging with a mating connecting element of the motor clutch to engaging with a protrusion of the handwheel clutch, wherein the clutch is axially movable along the connecting axis of the handwheel clutch.

[0038] As explained above, the actuator can use different types of main power sources so that the drive motor can be a hydraulic drive motor, a pneumatic drive motor, or an electric drive motor.

[0039] As will be explained in more detail below, the proposed switching can be easily achieved using a lever-arm mechanism. Such a mechanism can be operated manually to disengage the common connecting element from the motor clutch, thereby separating the motor from the power transmission / output of the actuator.

[0040] Using such a switching mechanism, the actuator can be switched from a motor-driven operation mode in which the driven member can be driven by the drive motor to a manual operation mode in which the driven member can be manually driven by manually operating the handwheel.

[0041] Switching here can be understood as changing the engagement. This does not necessarily require movement of the connecting element, as it is equally possible to move the corresponding mating connecting element relative to the connecting element.

[0042] Specifically, the movable protrusion of the handwheel clutch can be axially movable relative to the handwheel and / or relative to the common connecting element along the coupling axis. In this case, preferably, the protrusion of the handwheel clutch can move in the opposite direction along the coupling axis against the reset force provided by the reset member, and most preferably, the reset member can push the connecting element to engage the mating connecting element.

[0043] In these proposed designs of the actuator, for example, the handwheel or a component rotatably fixed to the handwheel can form a mating coupling element of the handwheel clutch.

[0044] Existing designs typically do not exhibit any such movable protrusions that can move relative to the connecting element of the clutch to which the protrusions are attached.

[0045] In its simplest form, the driven component of the actuator, which can be driven by the drive motor or the handwheel, can be designed as a rotatable (particularly hollow) output shaft.

[0046] Each of the two clutches formed by the corresponding connecting element and the mating connecting element can transmit force and / or torque; that is, the corresponding clutch can transmit driving force or driving torque to the driven element.

[0047] When separated, the connecting element and the corresponding mating connecting element can rotate relative to each other about the connecting axis (relative rotation relative to each other); when engaged, the connecting element engaged with the corresponding mating connecting element is non-rotatably connected (but can still move axially relative to each other along the connecting axis).

[0048] As explained in detail above, the protrusion can be axially movable relative to the handwheel of the actuator to engage with the coupling element. This specifically means that the coupling element itself can be axially movable relative to the handwheel to engage with the protrusion of the handwheel clutch and / or with the mating coupling element of the motor clutch.

[0049] Alternatively, the mating coupling element of the motor clutch may be axially movable relative to the handwheel to engage with the coupling element. However, such a design would be more complex in many applications because it is typically necessary for the coupling element of the motor clutch to be axially movable relative to the drive motor.

[0050] However, it is generally preferred to keep the coupling element of the motor clutch axially fixed relative to the drive motor, as this simplifies the power transmission system on the motor side. In the latter alternative, however, the coupling element can be axially fixed to the driven element, or it can be integrally formed with the driven element (it can be the driven element). However, a possible disadvantage of this alternative is that the mating coupling element of the motor clutch must be movable, which typically complicates the gearbox on the motor side of the actuator.

[0051] The actuator can also be designed such that the connecting element can be indirectly driven by the handwheel via a protrusion of the handwheel clutch. This is particularly advantageous because it can be achieved without direct engagement between the handwheel and the connecting element, since the handwheel and the connecting element do not need to be in a specific rotational position relative to each other to allow engagement of the handwheel clutch.

[0052] In other words, unlike known solutions in the prior art, the handwheel can drive the connecting element not directly (which would require the handwheel to engage with the connecting element), but via the axially movable protrusion.

[0053] If a separate driven element (such as a drive shaft) is preferred, the connecting element can be non-rotatably connected to the driven element, for example, by longitudinal sawtooth. In this case, the connecting element can be axially movable relative to the driven element.

[0054] In another possible design, the connecting element may be or can form the driven element; in this case, although the connecting element may consist of multiple parts, a separate driven element may not exist.

[0055] According to a preferred design, the connecting element can be arranged between the mating connecting element and the protrusion and / or the handwheel. This design allows the (axially movable) protrusion of the handwheel clutch to engage only with the connecting element once the connecting element is disengaged from the mating connecting element of the motor clutch. This limitation can be achieved, for example, by restricting the axial travel of the protrusion.

[0056] To disengage the connecting element from the mating connecting element of the motor clutch, the actuator may have a lever-arm mechanism that allows the connecting element to move axially to disengage from the mating connecting element of the motor clutch. The mating connecting element of the motor clutch can therefore be axially immovable / fixed.

[0057] Preferably, the connecting axis of the handwheel clutch can coincide with the connecting axis of the motor clutch (collinear design). In this case, the connecting element can therefore be axially movable along the common connecting axis to allow the switching, and this can preferably overcome the reset force provided by the reset member (which can therefore define the default position of the connecting element).

[0058] According to another embodiment, the axial length of the contact surface of the protrusion may be longer than the maximum axial engagement depth between the protrusion and the connecting element. In this case, it is preferable that the axial length is longer than the sum of the maximum axial engagement depth between the protrusion and the connecting element and the minimum axial engagement depth between the protrusion and the mating connecting element of the handwheel clutch. These conditions are preferred because they allow the protrusion to engage with both the connecting element and the mating connecting element while they are still axially separated from each other.

[0059] The protrusion of the handwheel clutch can be non-rotatably connected to the handwheel. If the protrusion is axially movable relative to the handwheel (one possible implementation), then the protrusion can be axially movable in a corresponding groove of the handwheel, in particular, this would allow the handwheel to drive the protrusion to rotate as long as the protrusion is axially within the groove.

[0060] In addition, the protrusion of the handwheel clutch can preferably move axially along the common connecting axis of the motor clutch and the handwheel clutch, overcoming the reset force provided by the reset member.

[0061] It should be understood that the motor clutch and / or the handwheel clutch can therefore both be designed as claw clutches. Each claw clutch may have, for example, a pair of protrusions and a corresponding groove designed for axial engagement with that particular protrusion (which may be formed as a gap between two adjacent paired protrusions). However, preferably, each claw clutch should display two (or more) pairs of corresponding protrusions and grooves / opposite protrusions to reliably transmit drive torque.

[0062] A first method for solving the above-mentioned problems is also provided. In particular, a method for engaging a connecting element and a mating connecting element of a clutch, as described at the beginning, is provided, characterized in that the connecting element and the mating connecting element move relative to each other with a first axial movement; this first step can be performed, in particular, by moving one of the connecting element and the mating connecting element, preferably the connecting element, to an axially engaged position (e.g., by bringing it close to the mating connecting element).

[0063] Furthermore, the method is characterized in that the connecting element and the mating connecting element are engaged with each other by moving the protrusion to an axial engagement position by moving the protrusion in a second axial movement independent of the first axial movement.

[0064] Specifically, this second step can be performed when the connecting element and the mating connecting element are stationary while the protrusion moves to the engagement position.

[0065] To allow for a second axial movement of the protrusion, the two connecting elements can be rotated relative to each other. However, this will only be necessary in cases where the second axial movement is temporarily prevented because the protrusion is in an unsuitable rotational position, which can be changed by rotating the protrusion together with the element carrying the protrusion about the connecting axis of the clutch (into the engaged position).

[0066] In other words, at least one relative rotational orientation may exist between the connecting element and the mating connecting element, wherein the second axial movement of the protrusion is suppressed, and / or at least one relative rotational orientation may exist between the connecting element and the mating connecting element, wherein the clutch can perform the second axial movement to engage the clutch.

[0067] To achieve the objectives of the present invention, another method for solving the aforementioned problems is also provided. In particular, a method for switching between two power transmission systems of an actuator (which may be designed as previously described or as defined in any of the claims relating to the actuator), as described at the outset, is further characterized in that a connecting element is disengaged from a mating connecting element of the actuator's motor clutch, thereby interrupting the first power transmission system from the drive motor to the driven member. Preferably, this disengagement can be achieved by axially moving the connecting element.

[0068] The method is further characterized in that the handwheel of the actuator is rotated to drive the protrusion of the handwheel clutch of the actuator about the coupling axis until the protrusion is oriented in a relatively rotationally coupled position relative to the coupling element, and the protrusion is axially moved to engage with the coupling element, thereby establishing a second power transmission system from the handwheel to the driven member. This second axial movement of the protrusion, which causes the engagement of the handwheel clutch of the actuator, can preferably be actuated by a reset member and / or performed relative to the handwheel, because in the latter case, the handwheel does not need to move axially but can remain axially stationary during engagement.

[0069] Although the steps of disengaging the motor clutch and rotating the handwheel can be performed manually, the movement of the protrusion can therefore be automatically caused by a return member, such as a compression spring.

[0070] Another possible (but less preferred) solution is to disengage the motor clutch by moving the mating coupling element of the motor clutch relative to the coupling element, thereby interrupting the first power transmission system.

[0071] However, preferably, the connecting element is disengaged from its mating connecting element of the motor clutch (which can therefore remain axially stationary) and moved axially to an axially engaged position. In this position, the connecting element can thus be engaged with the mating connecting element of the handwheel clutch by moving the protrusion to its engagement position with the connecting element. The protrusion can be carried by the connecting element or the mating connecting element (or both if multiple movable protrusions are used).

[0072] It should be noted here that the two methods explained above are particularly suitable for use with clutches and actuators as described and claimed herein.

[0073] The solution proposed in this paper can also be understood as a suggestion to use a clutch (specifically as a component of the actuator) as described in detail herein, to allow safe switching between motor-driven operation mode and manual operation mode, that is, specifically to allow switching between the motor-driven power transmission system of the actuator and the manual-driven power transmission system of the actuator. Due to the design of the clutch, this switching can be performed in all situations, except in certain cases, i.e., when the clutch is not yet in the correct rotary engagement position, the handwheel must be slightly rotated.

[0074] Preferred embodiments will now be described in more detail, although the invention is not limited to these embodiments: it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments of the invention can be obtained by combining one or more features of the claims of this application with each other and / or with one or more features of the embodiments described or illustrated herein. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Referring to the accompanying drawings, even when features with corresponding technical functions differ in shape or design, these features are represented by the same numerals:

[0076] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a motor clutch with additional components that enable an additional handwheel clutch for the actuator.

[0077] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The side view of the component shown.

[0078] Figures 3 to 8 Through with Figure 1 The corresponding side views continuously show how the motor clutch can be disengaged first. Figures 3 to 5 ), and then engage the handwheel clutch ( Figures 6 to 8 ), to switch between a motor-driven power transmission system and a manually operated power transmission system, and

[0079] Figures 9 to 11 Showing the previous Figures 3 to 8 A similar side view, but now showing the reverse switching from manual operation of the actuator to motor-driven operation by re-engaging the motor clutch and thereby disengaging the handwheel clutch. Detailed Implementation

[0080] Figure 1 Some components of the motor clutch 5 of the actuator 1 according to the invention are shown, wherein other components of the actuator 1 and the motor clutch 5 are omitted for clarity. Figure 2 As can be seen in the corresponding side view, the motor clutch 5 includes a mating coupling element 9 in the form of a worm gear 23, which is connected via a transmission to an electric drive motor of the actuator 1 (all of which are not shown in the figure) and is therefore electrically actuated. The mating coupling element 9 has a plurality of mating protrusions 26 that engage with a plurality of static protrusions 12′ of the accompanying coupling element 7, which is designed as a clutch ring, as shown in... Figure 2 and 11 It is visible in the text.

[0081] When the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 9 are engaged, they are rotatably connected to each other (i.e., relative rotational motion is not possible), so that the drive motor of the actuator 1 can drive the connecting element 7 by driving the worm gear 23.

[0082] As in Figure 1 and 2 As can be seen, actuator 1 also includes driven element 2 in the form of a hollow drive shaft (see...). Figure 1 The driven element 2 has longitudinal serrations 10 on its outer surface (see...). Figure 2 The connecting element 7, which has a ring shape and is concentrically mounted on the driven element 2, has corresponding corrugations on its inner surface, which engage in the longitudinal serrations 10. Thus, the connecting element 7 can move along... Figure 1The direction of the connecting axis 28 shown slides up and down along the sawtooth 10 while always maintaining a rotatable connection to the driven element 2.

[0083] Therefore, with the motor clutch 5 fully engaged, the drive motor can drive the driven element 2 via the mating connecting element 9 and the connecting element 7. In this motor-driven operating mode, a motor-driven power transmission system is established, which starts from the drive motor of the actuator 1 and extends to the driven member 2 via the transmission device, the worm gear 23, and the connecting element 7.

[0084] To engage and disengage the motor clutch 5 formed by the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 9, the actuator 1 may have a manually operable lever-arm mechanism (not shown in the figure). Such a mechanism can generate downward / upward movement of the shaft, which can then be converted into corresponding upward / downward movement of the connecting element 7 by another component of the lever-arm mechanism (including a hinge). Therefore, when the lever of the lever-arm mechanism moves upward, the connecting element 7, as a clutch ring, can be lifted and disengaged from the mating connecting element 9.

[0085] It can overcome the Figure 2 The reset force provided by the first reset member 17, visible in the diagram, performs the separation of the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 9 caused by manually moving a lever. The first reset member 17 is designed as a helical mechanical spring and pushes the connecting element 7 into engagement with the mating connecting element 9 unless a lever-arm mechanism (not shown) is used to overcome the reset force of the first reset member 17. In other words, in motor-driven operation, once the lever is moved accordingly, the motor clutch 5 is engaged via the first reset member 17.

[0086] This (automatic) engagement of the motor clutch 5 Figure 10 and 11 As can be seen in: Figure 10 In the middle, the static protrusion 12' of the connecting element 7 is not yet in the rotational connection position for engaging with the mating protrusion 26 of the mating connecting element 9 (e.g., Figure 11 (as shown in the image). In order to allow in Figure 10 In the case shown, this engagement requires the connecting element 7 to be rotated slightly relative to the mating connecting element 9, as follows: Figure 10 As shown by the arrow in the image, Figure 10 The rotational movement 27 of the connecting element 7 relative to the mating connecting element 9 is shown. Since the driven element 2 is rotatably connected to the connecting element 7, the rotational movement 27 can be performed, for example, when the driven element 2 is moved.

[0087] like Figure 1As shown, the actuator 1 includes not only a motor clutch 5 formed by connecting element 7 and mating connecting element 9, but also a handwheel clutch 6 formed by (common) connecting element 7 and corresponding mating connecting element 8, the handwheel clutch 6 being rotatably connected to... Figure 1 and 2 The handwheel 3 is shown. By switching the engagement of the connecting element 7 from the mating connecting element 9 of the motor clutch 5 to the mating connecting element 8 of the handwheel clutch 6, the first motor-driven power transmission system can be interrupted, and conversely, an alternative manually operated power transmission system can be established. Once the connecting element 7 and the corresponding mating connecting element 8 are fully engaged (as shown in the image), the first motor-driven power transmission system can be interrupted, and an alternative manually operated power transmission system can be established. Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, the alternative power transmission system of the actuator 1 starts from the handwheel 3 and passes through the corresponding mating connecting element 8 and connecting element 7 to the driven member 2.

[0088] In other words, the connecting element 7 can therefore move axially upward relative to the handwheel 3 to engage with the movable protrusion 12 of the handwheel clutch 6. Furthermore, the connecting element 7 can also move axially downward relative to the handwheel 3 to engage with the mating connecting element 9 of the motor clutch 5. Therefore, the connecting element 7 can thus move axially upward along axis 28, which coincides with the connecting axis 11 of the handwheel clutch 6 (see...). Figure 1 And thus can move axially relative to the mating connecting element 8. The first axial movement 19 is performed by moving the connecting element 7 along the sawtooth 10 of the driven member 2 using the aforementioned lever-arm mechanism.

[0089] Therefore, it is obvious that the separation of the connecting element 7 from the mating connecting element 9 of the motor clutch 5 causes the connecting element 7 to move axially along the axis 11 and relative to the mating connecting element 8 that is rotatably fixed to the handwheel 3, thereby moving the connecting element 7 to Figure 6 In the axial position 22 shown, the connecting element 7 and the corresponding mating connecting element 9 are at the maximum axial distance from each other and are completely separated.

[0090] Therefore, the design of the handwheel clutch 6 is characterized in that its connecting element 7 (which is part of both the motor clutch 5 and the handwheel clutch 6) is designed to engage with another connecting element, namely the mating connecting element 9 of the motor clutch 5. This is possible because the connecting element 7 not only has two mating protrusions 26′ on its upper side for engaging with the mating connecting element 8, but also has multiple static protrusions 12′ on its lower side for engaging with the mating connecting element 9 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0091] In the specific embodiment shown in the figure, the handwheel 3 of the handwheel clutches 4 and 6 (which are non-rotatably connected) and the mating coupling element 8 are axially stationary / immovable. Therefore, only the coupling element 7 is activated. Figure 10 and 11 The first axial movement 19 required for engaging the handwheel clutch 6 is shown. However, in other embodiments, the handwheel 3 and / or the mating coupling element 8 may also be axially movable such that at least a portion of the required first (relative) axial movement 19 between the coupling element 7 and the mating coupling element 8 is performed by the mating coupling element 8.

[0092] The handwheel clutch 6 forms the clutch 4 according to the invention because it has a movable protrusion 12 that can perform a second axial movement 20, the second axial movement 20 in Figure 7 and 8 It is shown in the middle (see arrow) and is independent of the first axial movement 20. The purpose of the handwheel clutch 6 is to allow the interruption or establishment of a second power transmission system from the handwheel 3 to the driven member 2.

[0093] In the specific embodiment shown in the figure, the two movable protrusions 12 are supported by the mating coupling element 8 of the handwheel clutch 6. This is in contrast to the static protrusion 12' of the coupling element 7 or the two upper (also static) mating protrusions 26' of the coupling element 7 (see...). Figure 4 Unlike other protrusions, the movable protrusion 12 can therefore move relative to the mating connecting element 8 that carries it.

[0094] The second axial movement 20 of the movable protrusion 12 of the mating connecting element 8 is caused by... Figure 1 The reset force is provided by the (smaller) second reset member 17′ (above the first reset member 17 previously explained regarding the engagement of the motor clutch 5). This second reset member 17′ pushes two movable protrusions 12 downward along axis 11, creating a gap g1 between the upper end of each movable protrusion 12 and the mating coupling element 8. Figure 2 and 3 The gap g1 can also be seen in the middle.

[0095] like Figure 8 As can be seen, the mating connecting element 8 provides a groove 13 for each of the two movable protrusions 12, and the corresponding movable protrusion 12 can... Figure 7The movable protrusion 12 moves upward (overcoming the restoring force of the second reset member 17') and downward (pushed downward by the second reset member 17') within the limited axial range 14 shown in the groove 13; thus, each movable protrusion 12 can move in the opposite direction along the coupling axis 11 of the clutch 6, overcoming the restoring force provided by the second reset member 17'. The purpose of the groove 13 (which is only slightly larger than the width of the movable protrusion 12) is also to drive the movable protrusion 12 to rotate (which can be in two directions of rotation), as shown in Figure 6 It can be seen in the image.

[0096] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, when the lever (not shown) of the lever-arm mechanism is actuated, the connecting element 7, shared by the motor clutch 5 and the handwheel clutch 6, moves upward along axis 28 / axis 11, thereby creating an increased gap g3 between the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 9, and thus disengaging the motor clutch 5. Simultaneously, this disengagement forces the connecting element 7 to perform the described first axial movement 19 relative to the mating connecting element 8 of the handwheel clutch 6. Therefore, the lower end of the movable protrusion 12 and the connecting element 7, in... Figure 3 The visible gap g2 decreases until the gap g2 completely disappears, as shown in the image. Figure 4 As shown in the diagram (connecting element 7 and movable element 12 in contact).

[0097] If the mating protrusion 26' of the connecting element 7 exceeds the angular range occupied by the movable protrusion 12, the movable protrusion 12 will remain fully extended (by the second reset member 17'), and the mating protrusion 26' of the connecting element 7 can easily enter the gap between the movable protrusions 12. Therefore, complete engagement of the mating connecting element 8 and the connecting element 7 can be easily achieved without rotating the handwheel 3 (i.e., as shown). Figure 8 (The situation shown).

[0098] However, if the upper mating protrusion 26′ of the connecting element 7 is within the angular range occupied by the corresponding movable protrusion 12 of the mating connecting element 8, then as Figure 6 As shown (which is the more likely scenario), further separation between the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 9, i.e., further axial upward movement of the mating element 7, will overcome the restoring force of the (smaller / upper) second reset member 17' engaging with the two movable protrusions 12 and push the movable protrusions 12 upward. In other words, the movable protrusions 12 will retract slightly upward, thereby allowing the connecting element 7 to approach the mating connecting element 8 further until the connecting element 7 is in a position where... Figure 6 In the axial engagement position 22 shown. By comparison Figures 3 to 6 The upward movement caused by the movable protrusion 12 can be seen. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, when the connecting element 7 moves to the axial position 22, the initial gap g1 between the upper end of the movable protrusion 12 and the upper end of the groove 13 decreases (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0099] exist Figure 6 In this case, where the connecting element 7 has reached position 22 by performing a complete first axial movement 19, the handwheel 3 is... Figure 6 The rotational motion 24 shown rotates slightly clockwise, thereby pushing the movable protrusions 12 into the rotational motion 25. Since the movable protrusions 12 remain within their respective grooves 13 and are still connected via their respective contact surfaces 16 (see...), Figure 10 and 11 The movable protrusion 12 is rotatably connected to the mating connecting element 8, so that the mating connecting element 8 carries the movable protrusion 12 about the axis 11, thereby also performing the rotational movement 24. As a result, the movable protrusion 12 rotates together with the mating connecting element 8 relative to the connecting element 7. Figure 7 The rotary connection position 18 is shown.

[0100] exist Figure 7 In this case, when each movable protrusion 12 has reached its desired rotational engagement position 18, the movable protrusion 12 is within the angular range occupied by the gap between the two upper mating protrusions 26′ of the connecting element 7. Therefore, the (smaller / upper) second reset member 17′ will push the movable protrusion 12 to engage with the mating protrusion 26′ and thus with the connecting element 7.

[0101] In other words, the movable protrusion 12 will perform... Figure 7 and 8 The second axial movement 20 shown is used to enter Figure 8 In the axial engagement position 21 shown. This second axial movement 20 occurs independently of the first axial movement 19 of element 7 entering the axial engagement position 22, and produces Figure 8 The overlapping o2 shown.

[0102] Once the movable protrusions 12 have reached these positions 21 and the element is in the axial position 22, force and / or torque can be transmitted between the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 8 via the movable protrusions 12. (As from...) Figure 8 It is obvious that there is no direct engagement between the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 8. Therefore, force and / or torque are transmitted indirectly from the mating connecting element 8 to the connecting element 7 only through the intermediate movable protrusion 12. Thus, the connecting element 7 can be indirectly driven by the handwheel 3 via the movable protrusion 12 of the handwheel clutch 6.

[0103] It should be understood here that, in the previously described scenario, where there is no (accidental) angular interference between the movable protrusion 12 of the mating connecting element 8 and the mating protrusion 26′ of the connecting element 7, the second axial movement 20 can occur before the first axial movement 19, because the movable protrusion 12 may already be in the (lowest) axial engagement position 21, for example, as Figure 2 In the case shown.

[0104] In the design shown in the figure, the movable protrusion 12 is supported by the mating connecting element 8 and is movable relative to the mating connecting element 8 and also relative to the handwheel 3.

[0105] An alternative design (not shown) that achieves the same desired result can be a movable protrusion similar to the movable protrusion 12: this similar movable protrusion is carried by the connecting element 7 and is designed for direct engagement with the mating protrusion of the mating connecting element 8 (which is similar to the mating protrusion 26'). In such an embodiment (which also follows the method according to the invention), the movable protrusion 12 will therefore be movable relative to the connecting element 7. Of course, these two designs can also be combined, and thus both connecting elements, namely the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 8, can be equipped with corresponding movable protrusions 12.

[0106] Another possible way to achieve the second axial movement 20 of the movable protrusion 12 would be to allow a certain degree of axial movement of the mating connecting element 8 and / or the handwheel 3. In such a case, the connecting element 7 can perform the first axial movement 19 and the mating connecting element 8 (particularly together with the handwheel 3) can perform at least a portion of the second axial movement 20 of the movable protrusion 12, independent of the first axial movement 19.

[0107] Due to the axial length 15 of the movable protrusion 12 (see...) Figure 7 The length is greater than the maximum axial engagement depth between the movable protrusion 12 and the connecting element 7 (corresponding to...). Figure 8 The overlap (o2) and the minimum axial engagement depth (corresponding to) between the movable protrusion 12 and the mating connecting element 8. Figure 8 The sum of the overlaps of o1 in the middle, so in Figure 8 In this case, the mating connecting element 8 and therefore the handwheel 3 can drive the connecting element 7 via the central movable protrusion 12. In other words, in Figure 8In this configuration, where the handwheel clutch 6 is fully engaged, each movable protrusion 12 can transmit driving force from the mating connecting element 8 / handwheel 3 to the connecting element 7 and thus ultimately to the driven member 2. Therefore, when the handwheel clutch 6 is fully engaged, the driven member 2 can be actuated by manually rotating the handwheel 3, while the mating connecting element 9 remains stationary, with the transmission and drive motor connected to the connecting element 9 by the actuator 1 fixed in place.

[0108] Therefore, the advantage of the movable protrusion 12 is that, regardless of the relative rotational position between the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 8, at least when a slight rotational movement 24 is performed by the handwheel 3 (such as... Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram) After rotating the movable protrusion 12 to the appropriate rotary engagement position 18, the handwheel clutch 6 can always be engaged.

[0109] The coupling element 7 is available from the mating coupling element 8. Figures 2 to 6 The resulting axial movement 19, and subsequently the movable protrusion 12 relative to the connecting element 7 and the mating connecting element 8. Figure 7 and 8 The second independent axial movement 20 shown, and the movable protrusion 12 relative to the connecting element 7. Figure 6 The series of movements shown in the rotation 24 also exemplifies the individual steps of the method for engaging the clutch 6 according to the invention: by moving the connecting element 7 upward, the connecting element 7 first disengages from the mating connecting element 9 of the motor clutch 5, thereby interrupting the first power transmission system from the drive motor to the driven member 2; by, as Figure 6 As shown, the handwheel 3 is rotated, and the movable protrusion 12 is thus driven about the axis 11 until the movable protrusion 12 is oriented relative to the connecting element 7 in a relative rotational connection position 18; finally, the movable protrusion 12 is pushed axially downward by the second reset member 17' to engage with the connecting element 7, which ultimately establishes the desired second power transmission system from the handwheel 3 to the driven member 2.

[0110] In summary, to improve the manual operation of actuator 1, a novel clutch 4, 6 is proposed, which has at least one movable protrusion 12 that is axially movable relative to a mating coupling element 8 carrying the movable protrusion 12 along the coupling axis 11 of the clutch 4, 6. This design has the advantage that even when the movable protrusion 12 is not in the correct rotary engagement position 18 (see... Figure 7 Clutches 4 and 6 can also be engaged in all situations because the movable protrusion 12 can always be engaged by rotational movements 24 and 25 (see...). Figure 6) Transfer to connection position 18.

[0111] Figure Labels

[0112] 1 Actuator

[0113] 2 Driven Components

[0114] 3 handwheel

[0115] 4. Clutch

[0116] 5. Motor clutch

[0117] 6. Handwheel clutch

[0118] 7 Connecting elements

[0119] 8 (Matching connection element of handwheel clutch 6)

[0120] 9 (Motor clutch 5) mating connection element

[0121] 10. Longitudinal serrations

[0122] 11 (Connecting shaft of handwheel clutch 6)

[0123] 12 Movable protrusions

[0124] 12′ Static protrusion

[0125] 13. Groove (in handwheel 3)

[0126] 14 Axial range (where movable 12 can move axially relative to handwheel 3)

[0127] 15 (Axial length of contact surface 16)

[0128] 16 Contact surfaces

[0129] 17 First Reset Component

[0130] 17′ Second Reset Component

[0131] 18 Rotary connection position

[0132] 19 (the first axial movement of the mating connecting element 8 of the handwheel clutch 6 or the mating connecting element 9 of the motor clutch 5)

[0133] 20 (the second axial movement of the movable protrusion 12)

[0134] 21 (Axial engagement position of movable protrusion 12)

[0135] 22 (Axial engagement position of connecting element 7 or mating connecting element 8)

[0136] 23 Worm Gear

[0137] 24 (handwheel 3) rotational motion

[0138] 25 (rotational motion of movable protrusion 12)

[0139] 26. Pairing protrusions of mating connecting element 9

[0140] 26′ Pairing protrusions of connecting element 7

[0141] 27 (Rotational motion of connecting element 7)

[0142] 28 (Motor clutch 5) connecting shaft

Claims

1. An actuator (1) for actuating a control element via a driven member (2) of the actuator (1), the actuator (1) comprising: -Drive motor, - Handwheel (3) - Motor clutch (5), said motor clutch (5) is used to interrupt the first power transmission system from said drive motor to said driven member (2), and - Handwheel clutch (6), said handwheel clutch (6) is used to interrupt the second power transmission system from said handwheel (3) to said driven member (2), A common connecting element (7) is shared by both the motor clutch (5) and the handwheel clutch (6), and The common connecting element (7) can be switched from engaging with the mating connecting element (9) of the motor clutch (5) to engaging with the movable protrusion (12) of the handwheel clutch (6) by using a manually operated lever-arm mechanism, the movable protrusion (12) being axially movable along the connecting axis (11) of the handwheel clutch (6). The handwheel clutch (6) is formed by the common connecting element (7) and the corresponding mating connecting element (8), wherein the handwheel (3) is non-rotatably connected to the mating connecting element (8) or the common connecting element (7) of the handwheel clutch (6). In this context, by means of the lever-arm mechanism, the common connecting element (7) can perform a first axial movement (19) by moving axially relative to the mating connecting element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6) along the longitudinal serrations (10) of the driven member (2); and The movable protrusion (12) of the handwheel clutch (6) is configured to perform a second axial movement (20) independent of the first axial movement (19).

2. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common connecting element (7) and the mating connecting element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6) are capable of engaging or disengaging from each other by a first axial movement (19) relative to each other; and / or, the common connecting element (7) and / or the mating connecting element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6) are capable of moving to an axial engagement position (22) by the first axial movement (19).

3. The actuator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable protrusion (12) can be moved to the axial engagement position (21) by the second axial movement (20).

4. The actuator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, Once the movable protrusion (12) is in the axial engagement position (21), force and / or torque can be transmitted between the common connecting element (7) and the mating connecting element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6).

5. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable protrusion (12) is designed to engage directly with the common connecting element (7).

6. The actuator (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The movable protrusion (12) is carried by the mating coupling element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6) and / or is movable relative to the mating coupling element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6), and / or the movable protrusion (12) is designed to directly engage with the mating coupling element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6).

7. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable protrusion (12) is carried by the handwheel (3) and / or can move axially relative to the handwheel (3).

8. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handwheel (3) is axially movable relative to the common connecting element (7) or the mating connecting element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6) and is capable of performing at least a portion of the second axial movement (20). The movable protrusion (12) cannot move relative to the handwheel (3) so that the movable protrusion (12) and the handwheel (3) together perform the second axial movement (20). or The movable protrusion (12) can move axially relative to the handwheel (3).

9. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common connection element (7) is designed to be able to: Engagement with the mating coupling element (9) of the motor clutch (5), i.e., engagement is achieved by another protrusion (12') for engagement with the mating coupling element (9) of the motor clutch (5), and / or Engages with or forms the driven member (2) of the actuator (1).

10. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable protrusion (12) can overcome the reset force provided by the reset member and move in the opposite direction along the connecting axis (11) of the handwheel clutch (6).

11. The actuator (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, in, The reset member pushes the movable protrusion (12) to engage with the common connecting element (7).

12. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common connecting element (7) that carries the movable protrusion (12) has a groove (13) in which the movable protrusion (12) can move axially relative to the common connecting element (7) along an axial range (14).

13. The actuator (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, As long as the movable protrusion (12) is within the axial range (14), the common connecting element (7) can drive the movable protrusion (12) to rotate around the connecting axis (11) of the handwheel clutch (6).

14. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable protrusion (12) can move axially relative to the handwheel (3) to engage with the common connecting element (7).

15. The actuator (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The common connecting element (7) is axially movable relative to the handwheel (3) to engage with the movable protrusion (12) of the handwheel clutch (6) and / or with the mating connecting element (9) of the motor clutch (5).

16. The actuator (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The mating coupling element (9) of the motor clutch (5) can move axially relative to the handwheel (3) to engage with the common coupling element (7).

17. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common connecting element (7) can be indirectly driven by the handwheel (3) via the movable protrusion (12) of the handwheel clutch (6).

18. The actuator (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The common connecting element (7) can be driven even when there is no direct engagement between the handwheel (3) and the common connecting element (7).

19. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common connecting element (7) is arranged between the mating connecting element (9) of the motor clutch (5) and the movable protrusion (12) or the handwheel (3) such that once the common connecting element (7) is disengaged from the mating connecting element (9) of the motor clutch (5), the movable protrusion (12) of the handwheel clutch (6) can engage only with the common connecting element (7).

20. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial length (15) of the contact surface (16) of the movable protrusion (12) is longer than the maximum axial engagement depth between the movable protrusion (12) and the common connecting element (7).

21. The actuator (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The axial length (15) of the contact surface (16) of the movable protrusion (12) is longer than the sum of the maximum axial engagement depth between the movable protrusion (12) and the common connecting element (7) and the minimum axial engagement depth between the movable protrusion (12) and the mating connecting element (8) of the handwheel clutch (6).

22. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable protrusion (12) for performing the second axial movement (20) is designed as a claw, which engages with the handwheel clutch (6) and the motor clutch (5) respectively.

23. A method for switching between two power transmission systems of an actuator (1) according to claim 1, the actuator (1) having a drive motor and a driven member (2) that can be driven by the drive motor. Its features are, The common connecting element (7) is disengaged from the mating connecting element (9) of the motor clutch (5) by axial movement of the mating connecting element (9) of the motor clutch (5), thereby interrupting the first power transmission system from the drive motor to the driven member (2). Rotate the handwheel (3) to drive the movable protrusion (12) of the handwheel clutch (6) of the actuator (1) about the connecting axis (11) until the movable protrusion (12) is oriented in a relative rotational connection position (18) relative to the common connecting element (7), and The movable protrusion (12) is actuated by the reset member to move axially and relative to the handwheel (3) to engage with the common connecting element (7), thereby establishing a second power transmission system from the handwheel (3) to the driven member (2).

Images