Valve actuator

Abstract

A valve actuator according to aspects of the present disclosure can include a housing, a motor disposed on the housing, a drive gear coupled to a motor shaft of the motor, a transmission gear in external contact with the drive gear and rotating according to a predetermined gear ratio when the drive gear rotates, an output shaft including a main body and a plurality of protrusions radially protruding from the main body and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, an output gear coupled to the output shaft and in external contact with the transmission gear, a stopper disposed in the housing and limiting a radius of rotation of the output gear, and an elastic member disposed between lower portions of the plurality of protrusions and a lower plate of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a valve actuator. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a valve actuator for opening and closing a ball valve. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a ball valve is a type of on / off device that is widely used to open and close a pipe by automatically rotating a ball installed inside the valve with the aid of a drive motor, thereby supplying working fluid flowing through the pipes connected to both ends of the valve body to the desired location or blocking the working fluid.

[0003] Traditional ball valve actuators utilize a cam to connect the motor shaft of a geared motor and the output shaft of the ball valve, and employ a sensor or stepper motor to rotate the output shaft by a desired angle. In this case, a physical stop is used to limit the rotation angle of the output shaft.

[0004] However, when the motor torque is applied while the gear is in contact with the stop, there is a problem of gear damage.

[0005] To solve this problem, Korean Patent Registration No. 0392198 describes a method to stop the motor from rotating by using a limiter switch when the gear is in contact with the stop.

[0006] In this case, the addition of a separate sensor for detecting contact between the gear and the stop, a separate limiter switch, and a separate PCB board for the stop signal results in increased product size and manufacturing costs.

[0007] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0008] [Patent Literature]

[0009] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0392198B1 (Patent published on July 22, 2003) Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide a valve actuator that prevents damage to the gear when the motor torque is applied while the gear is in contact with the stop.

[0011] Additionally, a valve actuator is provided that prevents gear damage without requiring a separate sensor for detecting gear contact with a stop, a separate limiter switch, or a separate PCB board for a stop signal.

[0012] Additionally, a valve actuator that can be applied to DC motors, which are cheaper than AC motors, is provided.

[0013] In addition, a valve actuator is provided that can reduce the size of the product and lower the manufacturing cost.

[0014] Additionally, a reusable valve actuator is provided that presses and rotates the output shaft to make contact with the outside of a released gear.

[0015] According to aspects of this disclosure, a valve actuator for achieving the above-mentioned objectives may include a housing, a motor disposed on the housing, a drive gear connected to a motor shaft of the motor, a transmission gear externally contacting the drive gear and rotating according to a predetermined gear ratio when the drive gear rotates, an output shaft including a main body and a plurality of protrusions radially projecting from the main body and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, an output gear connected to the output shaft and externally contacting the transmission gear, a stop disposed in the housing and limiting the rotation radius of the output gear, and an elastic member disposed between the lower portion of the plurality of protrusions and the lower plate of the housing.

[0016] In this configuration, the upper plate of the housing may include a first hole that overlaps with the body in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second holes that extend radially from the first hole. When the output shaft rotates at a predetermined angle, the body can pass through the first hole via an elastic member, the plurality of protrusions can pass through the plurality of second holes, and the output gear can be released from the transmission gear.

[0017] In this way, when the motor torque is applied while the output gear is in contact with the stop, the output gear is released from the drive gear, thus preventing damage to the drive gear, drive gear, and output gear.

[0018] Additionally, it prevents gear damage and eliminates the need for a separate sensor, limiter switch, or PCB board for detecting contact between the output gear and the stop. This allows for a reduction in product size and manufacturing costs.

[0019] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential angles of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the first and second separation spaces between the first and second protrusions may each be 90 degrees. In this case, the circumferential angles of the plurality of second holes and the spaces spaced apart from the plurality of second holes may each be 90 degrees. This improves the ease of manufacturing the output shaft.

[0020] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions may include first to fourth protrusions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential angles of the first to fourth protrusions and the space between them may each be 45 degrees. In this case, the circumferential angle of each of the plurality of second holes may be 135 degrees, and the circumferential angles of the spaces between the plurality of second holes may each be 45 degrees. This improves the ease of manufacturing the output shaft.

[0021] In addition, the motor can be a DC motor. In other words, since the valve actuator can be applied to a DC motor, which is cheaper than an AC motor, the manufacturing cost of the product can be reduced.

[0022] Additionally, the body of the output shaft may include a groove formed at the upper end. In this way, the valve actuator can be reused by pressing and rotating the output shaft with a tool such as a screwdriver to make it contact the outside of the released drive gear and output gear.

[0023] In addition, at least a portion of the upper end of the multiple protrusions can be formed into a conical or curved shape. In this way, the multiple protrusions can easily pass through the multiple second holes via the elastic member.

[0024] Additionally, when the output shaft rotates a predetermined angle, the upper region of the output gear can contact the upper plate of the housing. This prevents the output shaft from separating from the housing.

[0025] Additionally, the upper end of the output shaft body can be positioned above the upper ends of multiple protrusions. This provides space where the external contact between the drive gear and the output gear can be released.

[0026] According to aspects of this disclosure, a valve actuator for achieving the above-described objectives may include a housing, a motor disposed on the housing, a drive gear connected to a motor shaft of the motor, an output shaft including a main body and a plurality of protrusions that project radially from the main body and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, an output gear connected to the output shaft and in external contact with the drive gear, a stop disposed in the housing and limiting the rotation radius of the output gear, and an elastic member disposed between the lower portion of the plurality of protrusions and the lower plate of the housing.

[0027] In this configuration, the upper plate of the housing may include a first hole that overlaps with the body in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second holes that extend radially from the first hole. When the output shaft rotates at a predetermined angle, the body can pass through the first hole via an elastic member, the plurality of protrusions can pass through the plurality of second holes, and the output gear can be released from the drive gear.

[0028] In this way, when the motor torque is applied while the output gear is in contact with the stop, the output gear is released from the drive gear, thus preventing damage to the drive gear, drive gear, and output gear.

[0029] Additionally, it prevents gear damage and eliminates the need for a separate sensor, limiter switch, or PCB board for detecting contact between the output gear and the stop. This allows for a reduction in product size and manufacturing costs.

[0030] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential angles of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the first and second separation spaces between the first and second protrusions may each be 90 degrees. In this case, the circumferential angles of the plurality of second holes and the spaces spaced apart from the plurality of second holes may each be 90 degrees. This improves the ease of manufacturing the output shaft.

[0031] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions may include first to fourth protrusions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential angles of the first to fourth protrusions and the space between them may each be 45 degrees. In this case, the circumferential angle of each of the plurality of second holes may be 135 degrees, and the circumferential angles of the spaces between the plurality of second holes may each be 45 degrees. This improves the ease of manufacturing the output shaft.

[0032] In addition, the motor can be a DC motor. In other words, since the valve actuator can be applied to a DC motor, which is cheaper than an AC motor, the manufacturing cost of the product can be reduced.

[0033] Additionally, the body of the output shaft may include a groove formed at the upper end. In this way, the valve actuator can be reused by pressing and rotating the output shaft with a tool such as a screwdriver to make it contact the outside of the released drive gear and output gear.

[0034] In addition, at least a portion of the upper end of the multiple protrusions can be formed into a conical or curved shape. In this way, the multiple protrusions can easily pass through the multiple second holes via the elastic member.

[0035] Additionally, when the output shaft rotates a predetermined angle, the upper region of the output gear can contact the upper plate of the housing. This prevents the output shaft from separating from the housing.

[0036] Additionally, the upper end of the output shaft body can be positioned above the upper ends of multiple protrusions. This provides space where the external contact between the drive gear and the output gear can be released.

[0037] This disclosure provides a valve actuator that prevents damage to the gear when the motor torque is applied while the gear is in contact with the stop.

[0038] Alternatively, a valve actuator can be provided that prevents gear damage without requiring a separate sensor for detecting gear contact with the stop, a separate limiter switch, or a separate PCB board for a stop signal.

[0039] Alternatively, a valve actuator that can be applied to a DC motor, which is cheaper than an AC motor, can be provided.

[0040] Alternatively, a valve actuator that can reduce product size and manufacturing costs can be provided.

[0041] Alternatively, a reusable valve actuator can be provided that presses and rotates the output shaft to make contact with the outside of the released gear. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a front view of a ball valve and valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing some components of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure removed.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a partial structure of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figures 7 to 9 These are operation diagrams based on embodiments of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of some structural modifications of a valve actuator according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is an operational diagram of a modified example of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a modified example of the output gear and output shaft of a valve actuator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of a ball valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is an operation diagram of a ball valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar parts will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0054] When describing the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure, when a component is referred to as "connected" or "accessed" to other components, it can be directly connected or accessed to other components; however, it is understood that other components may exist in between.

[0055] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known technologies will be omitted when it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are provided only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure; the technical spirit disclosed in this disclosure is not limited by the drawings, and it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0056] On the other hand, publicly available terms can be replaced with terms such as those used in documents, instructions, or descriptions.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a front view of a ball valve and valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing some components of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure removed.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a partial structure of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 to 9 These are operation diagrams based on embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of some structural modifications of a valve actuator according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is an operational diagram of a modified example of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a modified example of the output gear and output shaft of a valve actuator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14This is an exploded perspective view of a ball valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is an operation diagram of a ball valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 16 The valve actuator 20 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing 110, a motor 120, a drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, 160, an output gear 170, an output shaft 180, an elastic member 190, and a stop member 200, but may be implemented in some of these configurations, and other configurations besides these are not excluded.

[0060] Valve actuator 20 can be connected to the upper part of plate 11, which is connected to the upper part of ball valve 10. The output shaft 180 of actuator 20 can be connected to valve stem 13 of ball valve 10. As the output shaft 180 of actuator 20 rotates, valve stem 13 rotates, and ball 16 of ball valve 10 rotates to open and close ball valve 10.

[0061] For example, refer to Figure 14 The ball 16 of the ball valve 10 may include a connecting groove that connects to the lower part of the valve stem 13 and an elongated hole 17. In this case, the ball valve 10 can be closed when the elongated hole 17 of the ball 16 is not positioned in the direction of travel of the flow path due to the rotation of the output shaft 180 and the valve stem 13.

[0062] Reference Figure 15 In its basic state, the elongated orifice 17 of the ball 16 can be positioned in the direction of travel of the flow path within the ball valve 10. In this case, fluid passing through the interior of the ball valve 10 can pass through the elongated orifice 17.

[0063] Reference Figure 16 As the output shaft 180 rotates, the valve stem 13 and the ball 16 rotate, so that the elongated orifice 17 is not positioned in the direction of travel of the flow path in the ball valve 10. In this case, since the fluid passing through the interior of the ball valve 10 does not pass through the elongated orifice 17, the ball valve 10 can block the fluid passing through the interior of the ball valve 10.

[0064] The ball valve 10 may include a valve stem fixing portion 15 for connecting the valve stem 13 and an O-ring 14 disposed below the valve stem 13.

[0065] The housing 110 can be formed in a hexahedral shape. The housing 110 can form the exterior of the valve actuator 20. The housing 110 can be disposed on one side of the ball valve 10. The housing 110 can be disposed on the ball valve 10. The motor 120, drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, 160, output gear 170, output shaft 180, elastic member 190, and stop member 200 can be disposed in the housing 110.

[0066] Housing 110 may include an upper plate 112. Motor 120 may be coupled to the upper plate 112 of housing 110. The upper plate 112 of housing 110 may be penetrated by the motor shaft of motor 120. The upper plate 112 of housing 110 may include holes 113 and 114 that vertically overlap with output shaft 180.

[0067] Holes 113 and 114 may include a first hole 113 and a plurality of second holes 114 extending radially or horizontally from the first hole 113.

[0068] The first hole 113 may overlap the body of the output shaft 180 in the vertical direction. The first hole 113 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the body of the output shaft 180. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first hole 113 is described as an example of being formed in a circular shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto and various changes may be made depending on the cross-sectional shape of the body of the output shaft 180.

[0069] The plurality of second holes 114 may vertically overlap with the plurality of protrusions 182 of the output shaft 180. The plurality of second holes 114 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of protrusions 182 of the output shaft 180. The number of the plurality of second holes 114 may be formed to correspond to the number of the plurality of protrusions 182 of the output shaft 180.

[0070] Motor 120 can be mounted on housing 110. Motor 120 can be connected to the upper plate 112 of housing 110, and the motor shaft of motor 120 can pass through housing 110 and be disposed inside housing 110. This improves space efficiency. Drive gear 130 can be connected to the motor shaft of motor 120.

[0071] Motor 120 can be a DC motor. Motor 120 can also be an AC motor, but in the case of a DC motor, the manufacturing cost of valve actuator 20 can be reduced compared to an AC motor. In the case of a DC motor, the accuracy of rotational speed control is lower than that of an AC motor, but this can be compensated for by the physical stop 200 of valve actuator 20.

[0072] Drive gear 130 can be coupled to the motor shaft of motor 120. When the motor shaft of motor 120 rotates in one direction, drive gear 130 can rotate in that direction, and when the motor shaft rotates in another direction, drive gear 130 rotates in the other direction. Drive gear 130 can externally contact transmission gears 140, 150, and 160. Drive gear 130 can be an external gear.

[0073] Transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 can externally contact the drive gear 130. When the drive gear 130 rotates, transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 can rotate according to a predetermined gear ratio. Transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 can externally contact the output gear 170. Transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 can reduce the speed of the drive gear 130 through the predetermined gear ratio and transmit the speed to the output gear 170. In this way, transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 can increase the torque transmitted from the drive gear 130 and transmit the torque to the output gear 170.

[0074] The transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 may include a first gear 140, a second gear 150, and a third gear 160.

[0075] The first gear 140 may be in external contact with the drive gear 130. The first gear 140 may be in external contact with the second gear 150. The first gear 140 may be in external contact with the drive gear 130 to rotate relative to the drive gear 130 at a predetermined gear ratio, and may be in external contact with the second gear 150 to rotate relative to the first gear 140 at a predetermined gear ratio.

[0076] The first gear 140 may include a first external gear 142 and a second external gear 144.

[0077] The first external gear 142 can contact the outside of the drive gear 130. In this way, the first gear 140 can rotate relative to the drive gear 130 at a predetermined gear ratio. The first external gear 142 can be disposed on one side of the second external gear 144. For example, the first external gear 142 can be disposed above the second external gear 144.

[0078] The second external gear 144 can be vertically spaced from the first external gear 142. The second external gear 144 can be disposed on the opposite side of the first external gear 142. For example, the second external gear 144 can be disposed below the first external gear 142. This improves space efficiency. The radial dimension of the second external gear 144 can be smaller than the radial dimension of the first external gear 142. The second external gear 144 can externally contact the second gear 150. The second external gear 144 can cause the second gear 150 to rotate relative to the first gear 140 at a predetermined gear ratio.

[0079] The second gear 150 may externally contact the first gear 140. The second gear 150 may externally contact the third gear 160. The second gear 150 may externally contact the first gear 140 to rotate relative to the first gear 140 at a predetermined gear ratio, and may externally contact the third gear 160 to rotate relative to the second gear 150 at a predetermined gear ratio.

[0080] The second gear 150 may include a third external gear 152 and a fourth external gear 154. The third external gear 152 may externally contact the second external gear 144 of the first gear 140, and the fourth external gear 154 may externally contact the third gear 160. The third external gear 152 and the fourth external gear 154 may be vertically spaced apart from each other. This improves space efficiency. The radial dimension of the fourth external gear 154 may be smaller than the radial dimension of the third external gear 152.

[0081] The third gear 160 may externally contact the second gear 150. The third gear 160 may externally contact the output gear 170. The third gear 160 may externally contact the second gear 150 to rotate relative to the second gear 150 at a predetermined gear ratio, and may externally contact the output gear 170 to rotate relative to the third gear 160 at a predetermined gear ratio.

[0082] The third gear 160 may include a fifth external gear 162 and a sixth external gear 164. The fifth external gear 162 may externally contact the fourth external gear 154 of the second gear 150, and the sixth external gear 164 may externally contact the output gear 170. The fifth external gear 162 and the sixth external gear 164 may be vertically spaced apart from each other. This improves space efficiency. The radial dimension of the fifth external gear 162 may be larger than the radial dimension of the sixth external gear 164.

[0083] In embodiments of this disclosure, transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 are described as examples consisting of three gears, but transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 can be understood to include one or more gears.

[0084] Output gear 170 can externally contact drive gears 140, 150, and 160. Output gear 170 can be coupled to output shaft 180. Output gear 170 can have a radius of rotation limited by stop 200. Output gear 170 can be rotated in one direction or another by drive gears 140, 150, and 160, causing output shaft 180 to rotate in one direction or another.

[0085] The output shaft 180 can be disposed within the housing 110. The output shaft 180 passes through the housing 110, and one end can be connected to the output gear 170, while the other end can be connected to the valve stem 13 of the ball valve 10. The output shaft 180 can be rotated in one direction or the other via the output gear 170, thereby causing the valve stem 13 of the ball valve 10 to rotate in one direction or the other. In this way, the ball valve 10 can be opened and closed.

[0086] The output shaft 180 may include a main body, a plurality of protrusions 182 that project radially from the main body and are circumferentially spaced from the main body, a separation space 184 formed between the plurality of protrusions 182, and a connecting portion 188 extending downward from the main body. The connecting portion 188 may be formed to be smaller than the radius of the main body of the output shaft 180. The connecting portion 188 may be formed to be cylindrical.

[0087] The main body of the output shaft 180 can be formed into a cylindrical shape. The main body of the output shaft 180 can be vertically overlapped with the first hole 113. The cross-sectional shape of the main body of the output shaft 180 can be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first hole 113.

[0088] Multiple protrusions 182 may protrude from the body in the radial direction. Each of the multiple protrusions 182 may be formed in an arc shape. The multiple protrusions 182 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple protrusions 182 may be formed in a shape corresponding to each of the multiple second holes 114.

[0089] When the output shaft 180 rotates a predetermined angle via the output gear 170, the output gear 170 can contact the stop 200 to limit the radius of rotation. In this case, the body of the output shaft 180 can pass through the first hole 113 of the upper plate 112 of the housing 110 via the elastic member 190, and multiple protrusions 182 can pass through multiple second holes 114. That is, the output shaft 180 moves upward, so that the output gear 170 can be released from external contact with the drive gears 140, 150, and 160. In this way, when the torque of the motor 120 is applied while the output gear 170 is in contact with the stop 200, damage to the drive gear 130, drive gears 140, 150, 160, and output gear 170 can be prevented because the output gear 170 is released from external contact with the drive gears 140, 150, and 160.

[0090] Furthermore, since damage to the drive gear 130, transmission gear 140, 150, 160 and output gear 170 can be prevented, and there is no need for a separate sensor, a separate limiter switch or a separate PCB board for a stop signal to detect contact between the output gear 170 and the stop member 200, the size of the product can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be lowered.

[0091] The body of the output shaft 180 may include a groove (not shown) formed on its upper end or upper surface. The groove of the body of the output shaft 180 may be recessed downward from the upper end or upper surface of the body. In this way, the valve actuator 20 can be reused by pressing and rotating the output shaft 180 with a tool such as a screwdriver to make it contact the outside of the released drive gears 140, 150, 160 and output gear 170.

[0092] Reference Figure 13 At least a portion of the upper end or upper region of the plurality of protrusions 182 may be formed in a conical or curved shape. For example, the radially outer region of the upper region of the plurality of protrusions 182 may be a conical region 183. In this way, the plurality of protrusions 182 can easily pass through the plurality of second holes 114 via the elastic member 190. In addition, this can be compensated for when there are tolerances between the plurality of protrusions 182 and the plurality of second holes 114.

[0093] When the output shaft 180 rotates by a predetermined angle via the output gear 170, the upper region or upper surface of the output gear 170 can contact the lower surface of the upper plate 112 of the housing 110. In this way, the output shaft 180 can be prevented from separating from the housing 110 via the elastic member 190.

[0094] The upper end or upper surface of the main body of the output shaft 180 can be positioned above the upper end or upper surface of the plurality of protrusions 182. In this way, space can be provided in which the external contact of the transmission gears 140, 150, 160 and the output gear 170 can be released.

[0095] The plurality of protrusions 182 may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction. Figures 2 to 9 Conversely, the circumferential angles of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, as well as the first separation space and the second separation space between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, can each be 90 degrees. In this case, the circumferential angles of the plurality of second holes 114 and the spaces spaced apart between the plurality of second holes 114 can each be 90 degrees. This improves the ease of manufacturing the output shaft 180.

[0096] Reference Figures 10 to 13 The plurality of protrusions 182 may include first to fourth protrusions 1822, 1824, 1826, and 1828 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The circumferential angle of the spaces between the first to fourth protrusions 1822, 1824, 1826, and 1828 and the spaces between them may each be 45 degrees. In this case, the circumferential angle of each of the plurality of second holes 1141 and 1142 may be 135 degrees, and the circumferential angle of the spaces between the plurality of second holes 1141 and 1142 may each be 45 degrees. This improves the ease of manufacturing the output shaft 180. In this case, unlike the above, the number of protrusions 182 may be four, and the number of second holes 1141 and 1142 may be two.

[0097] The elastic member 190 may be disposed between the lower portion of the plurality of protrusions 182 and the lower plate of the housing 110. For example, the elastic member 190 may be a spring surrounding the connecting portion 188. When the transmission gears 140, 150, 160 and the output gear 170 are in external contact with each other, the elastic member 190 may be in a compressed state between the lower portion or lower surface of the plurality of protrusions 182 and the upper surface of the lower plate of the housing 110. When the output gear 170 and the output shaft 180 are rotated by a predetermined angle such that the output gear 170 contacts the stop member 200, the elastic member 190 pushes the plurality of protrusions 182 upward, so that the body of the output shaft 180 and the plurality of protrusions 182 may pass through the first hole 113 and the plurality of second holes 114, respectively.

[0098] A stop 200 may be disposed in the housing 110. The stop 200 may be formed on the inner surface of the housing 110. The stop 200 may be disposed within the rotation radius of the output gear 170. The stop 200 may limit the rotation angle of the output gear 170.

[0099] Reference Figures 6 to 9 The operation of the valve actuator 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0100] Assumption Figure 6 In the initial state, the ball valve 10 can be in an open state. In this case, only a portion of the plurality of protrusions 182 of the body 180 can vertically overlap with the plurality of second holes 114, or the plurality of protrusions 182 can not vertically overlap with the plurality of second holes 114.

[0101] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, when the motor 120 rotates the drive gear 130 in one direction, the first gear 140, which is in external contact with the drive gear 130, rotates in the other direction; the second gear 150, which is in external contact with the first gear 140, rotates in one direction; the third gear 160, which is in external contact with the second gear 150, rotates in the other direction; the output gear 170, which is in external contact with the third gear 160, rotates in one direction; and the output shaft 180, which is connected to the output gear 170, rotates in one direction to close the ball valve 10 internally. In this case, the rotation radius of the output gear 170 is limited by the stop 190 to prevent damage to the ball valve 10.

[0102] Even when the ball valve 10 is internally closed, the motor 120 can continue to operate. In this case, the multiple protrusions 182 of the output shaft 180 and the multiple second holes 114 of the upper plate 112 of the housing 110 overlap in the vertical direction, and the elastic member 190 pushes the multiple protrusions 182 upward, so that the body of the output shaft 180 and the multiple protrusions 182 can pass through the first hole 113 and the multiple second holes 114 respectively. That is, since the external contact of the output gear 170 and the drive gears 140, 150 and 160 is released, damage to the drive gear 130, drive gears 140, 150, 160 and output gear 170 that may occur when the motor 200 continues to operate can be prevented.

[0103] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The operation of a modified example of the valve actuator 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0104] Reference Figure 10 In the initial state where the ball valve 10 is in the open state, at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions 182 of the body 180 may not vertically overlap with the plurality of second holes 114.

[0105] Reference Figure 11 When the motor 120 causes the drive gear 130 to rotate in another direction, the first gear 140, which is in external contact with the drive gear 130, rotates in one direction, the second gear 150, which is in external contact with the first gear 140, rotates in the other direction, the third gear 160, which is in external contact with the second gear 150, rotates in one direction, the output gear 170, which is in external contact with the third gear 160, rotates in the other direction, and the output shaft 180, which is connected to the output gear 170, rotates in the other direction, thereby closing the ball valve 10 internally. In this case, the rotation radius of the output gear 170 is limited by the stop 190 to prevent damage to the ball valve 10.

[0106] Reference Figure 12 When the motor 120 rotates the drive gear 130 in one direction, the first gear 140, which is in external contact with the drive gear 130, rotates in the other direction; the second gear 150, which is in external contact with the first gear 140, rotates in one direction; the third gear 160, which is in external contact with the second gear 150, rotates in the other direction; the output gear 170, which is in external contact with the third gear 160, rotates in one direction; and the output shaft 180, which is connected to the output gear 170, rotates in one direction to close the ball valve 10 internally. In this case, the rotation radius of the output gear 170 is limited by the stop 190 to prevent damage to the ball valve 10.

[0107] Even when the ball valve 10 is internally closed, the motor 120 can continue to operate. In this case, the plurality of protrusions 182 of the output shaft 180 and the plurality of second holes 114 of the upper plate 112 of the housing 110 can overlap in the vertical direction. For example, the first protrusion 1822, the fourth protrusion 1828, and the space between the first protrusion 1822 and the fourth protrusion 1828 can all overlap with the 2-1 protrusion 1141 in the vertical direction, and the second protrusion 1824, the third protrusion 1826, and the space between the second protrusion 1824 and the third protrusion 1826 can all overlap with the 2-2 protrusion 1142 in the vertical direction.

[0108] In this configuration, the elastic member 190 pushes the multiple protrusions 182 upward, allowing the main body of the output shaft 180 and the multiple protrusions 182 to pass through the first hole 113 and the multiple second holes 114, respectively. In other words, because the external contact between the output gear 170 and the drive gears 140, 150, and 160 is released, damage to the drive gear 130, drive gears 140, 150, 160, and output gear 170 that may occur while the motor 200 continues to operate is prevented.

[0109] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the valve actuator may include a housing 110, a motor 120 disposed on the housing 110, a drive gear 130 coupled to a motor shaft of the motor 120, an output shaft 180 including a main body and a plurality of protrusions 182 that project radially from the main body and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, an output gear 170 coupled to the output shaft 180 and in external contact with the drive gear 130, a stop 200 disposed in the housing 110 and limiting the rotation radius of the output gear 170, and an elastic member 190 disposed between the lower portion of the plurality of protrusions 182 and the lower plate of the housing 110.

[0110] In this configuration, the upper plate 112 of the housing 110 may include a first hole 113 that overlaps with the body of the output shaft 180 in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second holes 114 extending from the first hole 113 in the radial direction. When the output shaft 180 rotates by a predetermined angle, the body of the output shaft 180 may pass through the first hole 113 through the elastic member 190, the plurality of protrusions 182 may pass through the plurality of second holes 114, and the output gear 170 may be released from external contact with the drive gear 130.

[0111] In other words, the valve actuator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be interpreted as the transmission gears 140, 150, 160 being excluded from the valve actuator 20 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] By simplifying the construction of the valve actuator, the cost of the product can be reduced.

[0113] The above-described embodiments of this disclosure or other embodiments are not exclusive or different from each other. The above-described embodiments of this disclosure or other embodiments can be used in combination or in combination with each construction or function.

[0114] For example, this means that configuration A described in the specific embodiments and / or drawings and configuration B described in other embodiments and / or drawings can be combined. In other words, even when the combination between components is not directly described, this means that combination is possible except when it is described as not being able to be combined.

[0115] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0116] Cross-reference to related applications

[0117] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0128764, filed on September 29, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A valve actuator, the valve actuator comprising: case; A motor, which is mounted on the housing; A drive gear, which is connected to the motor shaft of the motor; A transmission gear that is in external contact with the drive gear and rotates according to a predetermined gear ratio when the drive gear rotates; An output shaft, the output shaft including a body and a plurality of protrusions that project radially from the body and are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction; An output gear, which is connected to the output shaft and makes external contact with the transmission gear; A stop element, which is disposed in the housing and limits the rotation radius of the output gear; as well as An elastic member is disposed between the lower portion of the plurality of protrusions and the lower plate of the housing. The upper plate of the housing includes a first hole that overlaps with the main body in the vertical direction and a plurality of second holes extending radially from the first hole. When the output shaft rotates a predetermined angle, at that predetermined angle, the output gear contacts the stop member, the main body passes through the first hole through the elastic member, the plurality of protrusions pass through the plurality of second holes through the elastic member, and the output shaft moves upward through the elastic member, so that the output gear is released from the transmission gear.

2. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, and The circumferential angles of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the first separation space and the second separation space between the first protrusion and the second protrusion are 90 degrees.

3. The valve actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The circumferential angles of the plurality of second holes and the spaces between the plurality of second holes are 90 degrees.

4. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of protrusions includes a first to a fourth protrusion spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and The circumferential angles of the space between the first protrusion and the fourth protrusion, as well as the space between the first protrusion and the fourth protrusion, are 45 degrees.

5. The valve actuator according to claim 4, wherein, The circumferential angle of each of the plurality of second holes is 135 degrees, and The circumferential angle of the space between the plurality of second holes is 45 degrees.

6. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The motor is a DC motor.

7. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The body of the output shaft includes a groove formed at its upper end.

8. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the upper end of the plurality of protrusions is formed in a conical or curved shape.

9. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, When the output shaft rotates by the predetermined angle, the upper region of the output gear contacts the upper plate of the housing.

10. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the main body of the output shaft is positioned above the upper ends of the plurality of protrusions.

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