Electronic valve elastic coupling for vehicles and method for mounting the same

Abstract

The application provides a kind of elastic coupling of electronic valve for vehicle and its installation method, the coupling, executor connecting part is used to connect the output end of executor;The executor is used to provide torque;Elastic transmission structure can realize elastic deformation, which is connected with the executor connecting part, for transmitting torque;Valve connecting part is arranged at the support structure connected with the elastic transmission structure;The valve connecting part is used to connect the input end of valve, and drive the valve opening and closing by further transmitting torque.The coupling of the application has the characteristics of compact structure, low cost, large torque and simple installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive electronic valves, and specifically relates to a transmission structure and installation method for an automotive electronic valve. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive electronic valves generally consist of a valve and an actuator. The actuator provides torque to drive the valve, which is installed in a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit to open and close, controlling the flow of air or fluid. Typically, when the valve is fully open or fully closed, the actuator applies additional torque to lock the valve at its extreme position. Therefore, the transmission structure between the actuator and the valve must have a certain elastic deformation capacity, using the elastic potential energy of this structure to apply the additional locking torque. In existing technology, flexible couplings used as transmission structures suffer from high cost and cumbersome installation, problems that urgently need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an automotive electronic valve, its flexible coupling, and its installation method, which features a compact structure, low cost, and simple installation.

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a flexible coupling, comprising:

[0005] An actuator connection section is used to connect the output end of the actuator; the actuator is used to provide torque.

[0006] The elastic transmission structure, capable of elastic deformation, is connected to the actuator connection part for transmitting torque;

[0007] A valve connection is provided at a support structure connected to an elastic transmission structure; the valve connection is used to connect to the input end of the valve and drive the valve to open or close by further transmitting torque.

[0008] Optionally, the coupling is formed by stamping and / or bending sheet metal.

[0009] Optionally, the sheet material may be stainless steel or spring steel.

[0010] Optionally, the cross-section of the elastically deformable portion of the coupling is rectangular.

[0011] Optionally, the coupling can deform in multiple directions, providing elastic deformation in the axial and torsional directions according to the relative positions of the mounting points on both sides, so as to transmit axial force and torque;

[0012] The coupling has two sides, including a first side that connects the coupling to the output end of the actuator, and a second side that connects the coupling to the input end of the valve.

[0013] Optionally, the elastic transmission structure includes a helical structure capable of elastic deformation in both the axial and torsional directions; the helical structure includes one or more transmission segments.

[0014] Optionally, the elastic transmission structure is connected to one end of the support structure via a bending section; the bending section creates an axial gap between the support structure and the elastic transmission structure.

[0015] Optionally, the other end of the support structure is an open end or multiple open forked segments.

[0016] Optionally, the support structure extends in at least two directions on its plane to balance the oblique force generated by elastic deformation; the corresponding surfaces of the support structure and the valve input end are in contact with each other to prevent overturning.

[0017] Optionally, the coupling is provided with a plurality of valve connection portions; each valve connection portion includes an extension portion that extends from the plane of the support structure toward the side away from the actuator connection portion;

[0018] As the coupling rotates under the drive of the actuator, the extension of the valve connection part can automatically fall into the corresponding interface at the valve input end, allowing the coupling to transmit torque to the valve input end through the extension of the valve connection part.

[0019] Optionally, the interface between the extended portion of the valve connection and the valve input end is formed as a slot structure, a shaft hole mating mechanism, or a keyway mating structure.

[0020] Optionally, the actuator connection portion is provided with a plurality of mounting holes opened along the axial direction;

[0021] The actuator has an output shaft at its output end, and the output shaft has several insertion parts that are adapted to the mounting holes. These parts can be inserted into the corresponding mounting holes to fix the output shaft of the actuator to the coupling.

[0022] Optionally, under the axial compression of the actuator and valve, the height of the coupling is less than its free height; the supporting force generated when the coupling undergoes axial compressive deformation is used to make the two ends of the coupling abut against the surfaces of the actuator and valve respectively used to mount the coupling.

[0023] Optionally, the actuator drives the valve's input end to rotate by rotating the coupling, and the valve's input end then drives the entire valve shaft system to rotate, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the valve;

[0024] When the actuator provides additional torque in the valve closing direction after the valve is fully closed, the coupling undergoes elastic deformation in the torsional direction, applying the additional torque in the valve closing direction to the valve so that the valve can remain closed.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an automotive electronic valve, comprising:

[0026] Actuator, used to provide torque;

[0027] A valve is installed in a gas or liquid circuit and controls the opening and closing of the gas or liquid circuit by opening and closing the valve.

[0028] Any of the above-mentioned flexible couplings is installed between the actuator and the valve to transmit torque and drive the valve to open and close.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for installing a flexible coupling, wherein any of the above-mentioned flexible couplings is first installed on an actuator, such that the actuator connection part of the coupling is connected to the output end of the actuator; the coupling and the actuator are then combined and installed on a valve, such that the valve connection part of the coupling is connected to the input end of the valve.

[0030] Optionally, the valve connection includes an extension portion extending from the plane of the support structure toward the side away from the actuator connection portion; during the rotation of the coupling driven by the actuator, the extension portion of the valve connection can automatically fall into the corresponding interface at the valve input end, so that the coupling and the valve can be reliably fixed; the coupling transmits the torque that can drive the valve to rotate to the valve input end through the extension portion of the valve connection.

[0031] Optionally, the coupling can deform in multiple directions, providing elastic deformation in the axial and torsional directions to transmit axial force and torque; after being securely installed on the valve, under the axial compression of the actuator and the valve, the height of the coupling is less than its free height; the supporting force generated when the coupling undergoes axial compressive deformation is used to make the two ends of the coupling abut against the surfaces of the actuator and the valve respectively used to mount the coupling.

[0032] The flexible coupling for automotive electronic valves and its installation method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0033] The coupling of the present invention features a compact structure, low cost, high torque transmission, and simple installation. It can be installed between various automotive electronic actuators and valves to transmit torque and drive valve opening and closing. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling is formed by stamping and / or bending of sheet metal, which can reduce processing difficulty and cost, effectively increase production, and improve the elasticity of the parts.

[0034] The coupling of the present invention has a simple structure. After installation, it can provide a certain axial force and transmit a large torque according to the installation position. Furthermore, after the valve is fully closed, the actuator continues to provide additional torque in the valve closing direction, which is transmitted to the valve through the coupling to lock it in the closed state, so that the valve will not vibrate due to the influence of fluid and reduce noise generation.

[0035] The coupling of the present invention has low requirements for the installation position of the valve and actuator. The valve connection part of the coupling can automatically fall into position during the movement of the actuator, without the need to pre-adjust the valve to a fixed angle before installation, which greatly shortens the assembly time of the assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of one embodiment of the flexible coupling described in this invention;

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the flexible coupling shown;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top view of the flexible coupling shown;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the connection between the flexible coupling and the actuator and valve.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the flexible coupling described in this invention;

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram showing the connection positions of the flexible coupling with the actuator and valve;

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram showing the connection position between the flexible coupling and the actuator output shaft;

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Top view of the flexible coupling shown;

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross section in the RR direction. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] This invention provides a flexible coupling and an automotive electronic valve applicable to the coupling. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle electronic valve also includes an actuator 4 and a valve 6; the actuator 4 provides torque to drive the valve 6; the valve 6, installed in the air circuit or liquid circuit, opens and closes under drive to control the opening and closing of the air circuit or liquid circuit; the coupling 5, as a transmission structure, is set between the valve 6 and the actuator 4 to transmit torque and drive the valve 6 to open and close.

[0047] The coupling 5 of this invention is formed by stamping and / or bending of sheet metal, resulting in low processing difficulty, low cost, and high output. For example, the material of the coupling 5 is stainless steel or spring steel sheet. Taking stainless steel as an example, stamping can enhance hardness and improve the elasticity of the parts.

[0048] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the cross-section of the elastic deformation part of the coupling 5 (including the plate at the elastic transmission structure 2) is determined by the base material. Because it is stamped, the cross-section is usually rectangular. This allows for appropriate stiffness in the length direction of the rectangle under the same load, providing greater transmission force. The large deformation in the width direction of the rectangle can provide greater displacement to compensate for the positional error (between valve 6 and actuator 4).

[0049] The coupling 5 has a simple structure. After installation, it can provide a certain axial force and transmit a large torque as needed. The stiffness can be easily changed by increasing the thickness and width of the plate, thereby transmitting different amounts of torque. The coupling 5 can achieve deformation in multiple directions; depending on the relative position of the mounting points on both sides, it can provide elastic deformation in the axial and torsional directions to transmit axial force and torque.

[0050] See also Figures 1-4 As shown, the coupling 5 includes an actuator connection part 1, an elastic transmission structure 2, and a valve connection part 3. The actuator connection part 1 is connected to the output shaft of the actuator 4, and the valve connection part 3 is connected to the input end 7 of the valve 6. The appropriate connection method is determined according to the different structures of the actuator 4 and the valve 6 to be adapted. For ease of description, the side of the coupling 5 connected to the actuator 4 is referred to as the first side of the coupling 5, and the side connected to the valve 6 is referred to as the second side.

[0051] The example actuator connection part 1 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 11 along the axial direction and penetrating the plate body, and the output shaft of the actuator 4 is provided with a plurality of insertion parts adapted thereto (see Figure 7 The marking 41' allows it to be inserted into the corresponding mounting hole 11 for fixation; the insertion part may be further provided with a barbed snap (see...). Figure 7 The marking 42' allows it to pass through the mounting hole 11 and then be secured to the plate of the actuator connection part 1 next to the mounting hole 11. The actuator connection part 1, for example, the number, size, shape, extension direction of the holes, position of the holes on the actuator connection part 1, proportion of the holes, etc., can be designed according to the structure of the output shaft of the actuator 4 so that the two can be reliably fixed.

[0052] Example elastic transmission structure 2 includes a spiral structure with several layers and several turns of transmission segments, enabling elastic deformation in both axial and torsional directions. In this elastic transmission structure 2, the more turns of the transmission segments, the lower the torsional stiffness; the specific number of turns can be set according to the required torsional stiffness. When there are multiple transmission segments, the radial spacing between adjacent transmission segments can be the same or different, which can be set according to the application requirements. The number of turns of the transmission segments corresponds to the number of layers; the axial spacing between adjacent transmission segments can also be set according to the application requirements; the axial spacing affects the axial compression and axial stiffness, with a larger spacing resulting in greater axial stiffness.

[0053] In the example, the valve connection 3 is provided by a support structure 32; the bent section 31 extending from the elastic transmission structure 2 further extends to one end of the support structure 32, so that there is a suitable gap between the support structure 32 and the last transmission section of the elastic transmission structure 2 (the one closest to it). The distance of this gap can be defined by the degree of bending of the bent section 31. As needed, a certain elastic deformation can be provided in the axial direction through this gap; suitable stiffness can also be set for the support structure 32 and the bent section 31 respectively. Then, the height difference between the output shaft of the actuator 4 and the input end 7 of the valve 6 can also be considered, so that parameters such as the axial spacing between adjacent transmission sections, the thickness of the plate, and the gap distance between the support structure 32 and the last transmission section can be set in a targeted manner.

[0054] The support structure 32 extends in at least two directions on its plane to balance the oblique force generated by elastic deformation and prevent the coupling 5 from popping out due to the oblique force. After installation, the surfaces of the support structure 32 and the valve 6 are in contact with each other, in this example, the bottom surface of the support structure 32 and the top surface of the valve 6 input end, to prevent overturning.

[0055] For example, two valve connection portions 3 are provided symmetrically about the center of rotation. Each valve connection portion 3 includes a portion extending from the plane of the support structure 32 toward the side away from the actuator connection portion 1 (i.e., an extension portion extending toward the second side of the coupling 5). The specific form of the valve connection portion 3 and its extension portion is set according to the different structures of the adapted valve 6; for example, various torque transmission forms such as a slot structure, a shaft hole mating mechanism, and a keyway mating structure can be formed at the mating position of the valve connection portion 3 and the input end 7 of the valve 6.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the extension of each valve connection 3 acts as a snap-fit, capable of engaging with the corresponding slot 71 on the top of the valve input end 7 to secure the coupling 5 to the valve 6. The characteristic of this slot structure is that, during initial installation, only the first side connecting the coupling 5 to the actuator 4 needs to be aligned. On the second side where the coupling 5 will connect to the valve 6, it is not necessary to specifically align the snap-fit ​​with the slot 71. Axial compression can compensate for axial dimensional deviations caused by misalignment. Furthermore, as the actuator 4 drives the coupling 5 to rotate, the snap-fits of the two valve connection parts 3 automatically engage with the two slots 71 on the valve 6. That is, as the coupling 5 rotates relative to the valve input end 7, the snap-fits automatically settle into position, eliminating the need for alignment on both sides of the coupling 5, thus reducing assembly difficulty. After assembly, the actuator 4 drives the valve input end 7 to rotate via the coupling 5, and the input end 7 then drives the entire valve shaft system to rotate.

[0057] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in the first embodiment of the coupling 5, the elastic transmission structure 2 includes a first transmission segment 21 and a second transmission segment 22; one end of the first transmission segment 21 extends from the plate at the actuator connection portion 1, and the first transmission segment 21 surrounds the periphery of the actuator connection portion 1, while the other end of the first transmission segment 21 extends to one end of the second transmission segment 22; the second transmission segment 22 then surrounds the periphery of the first transmission segment 21, thus obtaining a two-layer / two-turn spiral structure. It can be understood that if more transmission segments are stamped out, each segment can be arranged around the previous segment in a similar manner.

[0058] In this embodiment, the support structure 32 extends in two directions at both ends of its length (with... Figure 2 , Figure 3 (It extends left and right), with one end connected to the bent section 31; the other end is open and not connected to other components. In this example, the actuator connection part 1 is provided with two mounting holes 11; the extension direction of the holes (as shown in the figure) Figure 2 , Figure 3 (It extends vertically), and its projection intersects (for example, is perpendicular to each other) the extension direction of the support structure 32.

[0059] Two valve connection parts 3 are provided at the support structure 32, located on opposite sides of the width of the support structure 32. In this example, the valve connection parts 3 are arranged approximately at the midpoint between the two ends of the support structure 32, but this is not a limitation on their position. In this example, the extension of each valve connection part 3 is bent once to form an inverted L-shape, resulting in a snap fastener facing the second side of the coupling 5. This snap fastener can automatically fall into place and lock into the corresponding slot 71 at the top of the valve 6 input end 7 when the coupling 5 rotates with the actuator 4. In this example, the two slots 71 are approximately opposite (radially opposite ends), located at the top edge of the valve 6 input end 7, with the openings of the slots 71 facing the top surface and radially outward. In the figure, each snap fastener is bent towards the open end of the support structure 32, but this is not limited to other examples where the snap fastener is bent towards the end of the support structure 32 that connects to the bent section 31, or where the two snap fasteners are bent in opposite directions.

[0060] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, in the second embodiment of coupling 5', for components corresponding to those in the first embodiment, apostrophes are added to the same numerical reference numerals. In the second embodiment, see also... Figures 5-8 As shown, the elastic transmission structure 2' includes a first transmission section 21', forming a spiral structure of one layer / one turn; one end of the first transmission section 21' extends from the plate at the actuator connection part 1', the first transmission section 21' surrounds the periphery of the actuator connection part 1', and the other end of the first transmission section 21' extends directly to one end of the bending section 31', and the other end of the bending section 31' extends to one end of the support structure 32'.

[0061] In this example, the support structure 32' has two open bifurcated sections 33' at the other end, each extending away from the bending section 31'. After installation, the bottom surface of the support structure 32' can fit against the top surface of the valve 6' input end 7'. In this example, the two valve connection parts 3' are respectively located at the two bifurcated sections 33'. On each valve connection part 3', the extension extending towards the second side of the coupling 5' is a roughly U-shaped buckle obtained by bending the plate of the corresponding part twice. This buckle can automatically fall into place and lock into the corresponding slot 71' on the top of the valve 6' input end 7' when the coupling 5' rotates with the actuator 4'. The two slots 71' are roughly opposite each other (radially opposite ends), located at the top edge of the valve 6' input end 7', with the openings of the slots 71 facing the top surface and radially outward, and adapted to the shape of the extension part of the valve connection part 3'. There is a certain lateral (radial) interval between the two bifurcated sections 33' of the support structure 32, so that the snap-fit ​​positions of the two valve connection parts 3' correspond to the positions of the two slots 71'.

[0062] The coupling described in this invention is typically first installed on the actuator output shaft, and then installed onto the valve together with the actuator. The coupling is reliably fixed to the actuator output shaft via the actuator connection part, ensuring that the coupling and actuator do not detach during transportation and installation.

[0063] The coupling has all degrees of freedom on the first side connected to the actuator, and the second side connected to the valve has a large range of radial and axial flexibility. It has low requirements for the relative position of the valve and the actuator. As the actuator rotates, the extension part of the valve connection (such as a snap-fit) can automatically fall into the valve interface (such as the slot 71 corresponding to the snap-fit). It does not require the valve to be pre-adjusted to a fixed angle before installation, which can shorten the assembly time of the assembly.

[0064] After being securely installed onto the valve, the coupling's height is reduced to its free height under the axial compression of the actuator and valve, resulting in axial compressive deformation. The resulting supporting force presses against the lower end face of the actuator and the upper end face of the valve (i.e., the surfaces on which the coupling is installed), ensuring reliable installation. The output torque of the actuator's output shaft, pressed between the actuator and valve, is transmitted via the coupling to the rotating shaft at the valve's input end, causing the valve plate to rotate and thus opening or closing the valve.

[0065] When the valve is fully closed, if the actuator continues to provide additional torque in the valve closing direction, the coupling will undergo elastic deformation in the torsional direction, thereby applying an additional torque in the closing direction to the valve, so that the valve can remain closed and achieve the purpose of locking it. In this way, the valve will not be affected by the fluid and will not vibrate, avoiding noise caused by vibration due to fluid impact.

[0066] The direction of coupling torsion, corresponding to the valve closing direction, is related to the helical direction of the coupling's elastic transmission structure. See also Figure 3 From a top-down view, if the elastic transmission structure 2 in the first embodiment rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the actuator 4, each rotation of its transmission segment will tend to tighten radially inward. Therefore, the counterclockwise rotation direction of the elastic transmission structure 2 corresponds to the torsional direction of the valve 6 closing direction; conversely, if it rotates clockwise, each rotation of its transmission segment will tend to expand outward. See also Figure 5 As shown, the helical direction of the elastic transmission structure 2' in the second embodiment is opposite to that in the previous embodiment. Therefore, it needs to rotate clockwise under the drive of the actuator 4' to make its first transmission section tend to tighten radially inward. Conversely, counterclockwise rotation will have a tendency to expand outward. Therefore, the clockwise rotation direction of the elastic transmission structure 2' corresponds to the torsional direction of the valve 6' closing direction. The coupling with the corresponding torsional direction can be determined according to the usage requirements, the valve structure, and the closing direction, etc.

[0067] The flexible coupling of this invention can be applied to various automotive electronic valves; for example, valves on which this coupling can be installed include throttle valves, exhaust valves, EGR valves, air conditioning valves, turbo valves, etc.; automotive electronic actuators on which this coupling can be installed can be almost all automotive actuators, such as automatic sunroofs, power windows, power seats, etc., which can all adopt a similar structure. This is only an example and is not intended to limit the application of the flexible coupling.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments above, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible coupling, characterized in that, The coupling is formed by stamping and bending sheet metal; the coupling comprises: An actuator connection section is used to connect the output end of the actuator; the actuator is used to provide torque. An elastic transmission structure, capable of elastic deformation, is connected to the actuator connection portion for transmitting torque; the elastic transmission structure includes a helical structure capable of elastic deformation in both axial and torsional directions; the helical structure includes one or more transmission segments formed by stamping sheet metal; wherein the first transmission segment surrounds the periphery of the actuator connection portion; when there are multiple transmission segments, each of the other transmission segments besides the first transmission segment is arranged to surround the transmission segment of the previous layer. Bending section and support structure; The bending section extending from the elastic transmission structure extends to one end of the support structure, and the bending section forms an axial gap between the support structure and the transmission section closest to the support structure on the elastic transmission structure. The distance of this gap is defined by the degree of bending of the bending section, and elastic deformation is provided in the axial direction through this gap. The support structure extends in at least two directions on its plane to balance the oblique force generated by elastic deformation; The surfaces of the support structure and the valve input end are in contact with each other to prevent overturning; Multiple valve connection parts are provided at the support structure; the valve connection parts are used to connect the input end of the valve and drive the valve to open and close by further transmitting torque; each valve connection part includes an extension part that extends from the plane of the support structure toward the side away from the actuator connection part. As the coupling rotates under the drive of the actuator, the extension of the valve connection part can automatically fall into the corresponding interface at the valve input end, allowing the coupling to transmit torque to the valve input end through the extension of the valve connection part.

2. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet material includes stainless steel sheet material or spring steel sheet material.

3. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the elastically deformable portion of the coupling is rectangular.

4. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling can deform in multiple directions, providing elastic deformation in the axial and torsional directions according to the relative positions of the mounting points on both sides, so as to transmit axial force and torque; The coupling has two sides, including a first side that connects the coupling to the output end of the actuator, and a second side that connects the coupling to the input end of the valve.

5. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the support structure is an open end, or multiple open forked segments.

6. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The interface between the extended portion of the valve connection and the valve input end is formed as a slot structure, a shaft hole mating mechanism, or a keyway mating structure.

7. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator connection part is provided with a number of mounting holes opened along the axial direction; The actuator has an output shaft at its output end, and the output shaft has several insertion parts that are adapted to the mounting holes. These parts can be inserted into the corresponding mounting holes to fix the output shaft of the actuator to the coupling.

8. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Under the axial compression of the actuator and valve, the height of the coupling is less than its free height; the supporting force generated when the coupling undergoes axial compressive deformation is used to make the two ends of the coupling axially press against the surfaces of the actuator and valve respectively used to mount the coupling.

9. The flexible coupling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator drives the coupling to rotate, which in turn drives the valve's input end to rotate. The valve's input end then drives the entire valve shaft system to rotate, thus opening and closing the valve. When the actuator provides additional torque in the valve closing direction after the valve is fully closed, the coupling undergoes elastic deformation in the torsional direction, applying the additional torque in the valve closing direction to the valve so that the valve can remain closed.

10. An electronic valve for automobiles, characterized in that, Include Actuator, used to provide torque; A valve is installed in a gas or liquid circuit and controls the opening and closing of the gas or liquid circuit by opening and closing the valve. The flexible coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is disposed between the actuator and the valve to transmit torque and drive the valve to open and close.

11. A method for installing a flexible coupling, characterized in that, The flexible coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is installed on the actuator so that the actuator connection part of the coupling is connected to the output end of the actuator; The coupling and actuator are combined and then installed together on the valve, so that the valve connection part of the coupling is connected to the valve input end; The valve connection includes an extension portion extending from the plane of the support structure toward the side away from the actuator connection portion; during the rotation of the coupling driven by the actuator, the extension portion of the valve connection can automatically fall into the corresponding interface at the valve input end, so that the coupling and the valve can be reliably fixed; the coupling transmits torque that can drive the valve to rotate to the valve input end through the extension portion of the valve connection.

12. The installation method of the flexible coupling as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The coupling can deform in multiple directions, providing elastic deformation in the axial and torsional directions to transmit axial force and torque; after being securely installed on the valve, under the axial compression of the actuator and the valve, the height of the coupling is less than its free height; the supporting force generated when the coupling undergoes axial compressive deformation is used to make the two ends of the coupling abut against the surfaces of the actuator and the valve where the coupling is installed.

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