Valve actuator

Abstract

The present invention provides a valve actuator. One side of the valve actuator of the present specification includes: a housing; a motor configured in the housing; a drive gear combined to a motor shaft of the motor; a transmission gear externally tangent to the drive gear, which rotates according to a predetermined gear ratio when the drive gear rotates; an output gear combined to an output shaft and externally tangent to the transmission gear; and a stopper configured in the housing to limit the rotational radius of the output gear. The transmission gear includes: an outer side portion; an inner side portion configured inside the outer side portion; a first magnet configured in the outer side portion; and a second magnet configured in the inner side portion and opposite the first magnet. Thus, gear damage caused by excessive torque can be prevented, and gear damage caused when the output gear contacts the stopper can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to valve actuators. More specifically, it relates to valve actuators for opening and closing ball valves. Background Technology

[0002] In general, a ball valve is a commonly used opening and closing unit that uses a motor to drive a ball inside the valve to rotate automatically, thereby opening and closing the pipeline. This allows the fluid flowing through the pipelines connected to both ends of the valve body to be supplied to the desired location or to be blocked.

[0003] Conventional ball valve actuators connect the motor shaft of a geared motor and the output shaft of the ball valve to a cam, and use a sensor or stepper motor to rotate the output shaft only to the 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 stopper, there is a problem that the gear may be damaged.

[0005] To solve this problem, domestic patent registration No. 0392198 describes a method that uses a limiter switch to control the motor to stop rotating when the gear is in contact with the stopper.

[0006] In this case, additional structures such as additional sensors to sense the contact between the gear and the stopper, additional limiter switches, and additional PCB substrates for stop signals are added, resulting in an increase in product size and manufacturing costs.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0392198B1 (Published on July 22, 2003) Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The problem to be solved by the invention described in this specification is to provide a valve actuator that can prevent gear damage when applying motor torque while the gear is in contact with the stopper.

[0011] In addition, a valve actuator is provided that can dampen the torque of a motor applied by overpower.

[0012] In addition, a valve actuator is provided that can reduce the size of the product and lower manufacturing costs.

[0013] In addition, a valve actuator is provided that can operate under high-speed sliding conditions, such as at thousands of rpm.

[0014] In addition, a valve actuator is provided that provides lubrication under high-speed sliding conditions without damaging the structure.

[0015] Methods for solving problems

[0016] The valve actuator of this specification, used to solve the above-mentioned problems, includes, in one aspect, a housing;

[0017] A motor is disposed in the aforementioned housing; a drive gear is coupled to the motor shaft of the aforementioned motor; a transmission gear is externally connected to the aforementioned drive gear and rotates according to a predetermined gear ratio when the aforementioned drive gear rotates; an output gear is coupled to an output shaft and externally connected to the aforementioned transmission gear; and a stopper is disposed in the aforementioned housing to limit the rotation radius of the aforementioned output gear.

[0018] In this case, the transmission gear includes: an outer portion; an inner portion disposed inside the outer portion; a first magnet disposed on the outer portion; and a second magnet disposed on the inner portion opposite to the first magnet.

[0019] Therefore, when the motor torque is applied while the output gear is in contact with the stopper, the gear shaft is made to idle through the first and second magnets, thus preventing damage to the drive gear, transmission gear, and output gear.

[0020] Furthermore, without the need for additional sensors, limiter switches, or PCB substrates for sensing the contact between the gear and the stopper, damage to the gear can be prevented, thus reducing product size and manufacturing costs.

[0021] Furthermore, the first magnet and the second magnet described above have different polarities.

[0022] Furthermore, the attractive force between the first magnet and the second magnet is greater than the average output of the motor but less than the maximum output of the motor. Therefore, when the motor is operating at overpower, the gear shaft is allowed to idle via the first and second magnets, thus damping the torque applied to the motor by the overpower, thereby preventing damage to the drive gear, transmission gear, and output gear.

[0023] In addition, the first magnet includes a plurality of first magnet units, and adjacent magnet units of the plurality of first magnet units have different polarities. The second magnet includes a plurality of second magnet units that are respectively opposite to the plurality of first magnet units, and adjacent magnet units of the plurality of second magnet units have different polarities.

[0024] Furthermore, the motor described above is a DC motor. In other words, it can also be applied to DC motors, which are cheaper than AC motors, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the product.

[0025] Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the inner portion are supported by the inner side of the outer casing, and the upper or lower end of the outer portion is supported vertically by the inner portion. In this case, the height of the first magnet is higher than the height of the second magnet. Therefore, the outer portion remains suspended relative to the inner portion without detaching from it, enabling operation even under high-speed sliding conditions, such as thousands of rpm.

[0026] Furthermore, when the upper end of the outer part is supported vertically by the inner part, the central region of the first magnet is positioned higher than the central region of the second magnet; when the lower end of the outer part is supported vertically by the inner part, the central region of the first magnet is positioned lower than the central region of the second magnet.

[0027] Furthermore, the aforementioned inner portion includes a groove formed in the region supporting the upper or lower end of the aforementioned outer portion. In this case, the valve actuator includes a lubricant disposed in the aforementioned groove. This provides lubrication under high-speed sliding conditions, preventing damage to the structure.

[0028] In addition, the aforementioned transmission gear includes: a first gear externally connected to the aforementioned drive gear; a second gear externally connected to the aforementioned first gear; and a third gear externally connected to the aforementioned second gear. The aforementioned first gear is composed of the aforementioned outer side portion, the aforementioned inner side portion, the aforementioned first magnet, and the aforementioned second magnet.

[0029] A valve actuator of one aspect of this specification for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a housing; a motor disposed in the housing; a drive gear coupled to a motor shaft of the motor; an output gear coupled to an output shaft and externally connected to the drive gear; and a stopper disposed in the housing to limit the rotation radius of the output gear.

[0030] In this case, the drive gear includes: an outer portion; an inner portion disposed inside the outer portion; a first magnet disposed on the outer portion; and a second magnet disposed on the inner portion and opposite to the first magnet.

[0031] Therefore, when the motor torque is applied while the output gear and the stopper are in contact, the gear shaft is idled by the first magnet and the second magnet, thus preventing damage to the drive gear and the output gear.

[0032] Furthermore, without the need for additional sensors, limiter switches, or PCB substrates for sensing the contact between the gear and the stopper, damage to the gear can be prevented, thus reducing product size and manufacturing costs.

[0033] In addition, when the motor is overpowered, the gear shaft is idling through the first and second magnets, thus damping the torque of the motor applied through overpower, thereby preventing damage to the drive gear and output gear.

[0034] Furthermore, the inner portion is coupled to the motor shaft and rotates together with it, while the upper or lower end of the outer portion is supported vertically by the inner portion. In this case, the height of the first magnet is greater than the height of the second magnet. Therefore, the outer portion remains suspended relative to the inner portion without detaching from it, enabling operation even under high-speed sliding conditions, such as thousands of rpm.

[0035] Furthermore, when the upper end of the outer part is supported vertically by the inner part, the central region of the first magnet is positioned higher than the central region of the second magnet; when the lower end of the outer part is supported vertically by the inner part, the central region of the first magnet is positioned lower than the central region of the second magnet.

[0036] Furthermore, the aforementioned inner portion includes a groove formed in the region supporting the upper or lower end of the aforementioned outer portion, and a lubricant is disposed in the groove. This provides lubrication under high-speed sliding conditions, preventing damage to the structure.

[0037] A valve actuator of one aspect of this specification for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a housing; a motor disposed in the housing; a drive gear coupled to a motor shaft of the motor; a transmission gear externally connected to the drive gear and rotating according to a first gear ratio when the drive gear rotates; an output gear coupled to an output shaft and externally connected to the transmission gear; and a stopper disposed in the housing to limit the rotation radius of the output gear.

[0038] In this case, the aforementioned transmission gear includes: a first transmission gear; a second transmission gear that rotates according to a second gear ratio when the first transmission gear rotates; a cylindrical first magnet disposed on the first transmission gear; and a cylindrical second magnet disposed on the second transmission gear, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet have a predetermined gap and overlap in the horizontal direction.

[0039] Therefore, when the motor torque is applied while the output gear is in contact with the stopper, the gear shaft is idled by the first and second magnets, thus preventing damage to the drive gear, transmission gear, and output gear.

[0040] Furthermore, without the need for additional sensors, limiter switches, or PCB substrates for sensing the contact between the gear and the stopper, damage to the gear can be prevented, thus reducing product size and manufacturing costs.

[0041] In addition, when the motor is overpowered, the gear shaft is idling through the first and second magnets, thus damping the torque of the motor applied by the overpower, thereby preventing damage to the drive gear, transmission gear and output gear.

[0042] A valve actuator of one aspect of this specification for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a housing; a motor disposed in the housing; a drive gear coupled to a motor shaft of the motor; a first cylindrical magnet coupled to the drive gear; an output gear coupled to an output shaft; a second cylindrical magnet coupled to the output gear; and a stopper disposed in the housing to limit the rotation radius of the output gear.

[0043] In this case, the first magnet and the second magnet have a predetermined gap and overlap in the horizontal direction.

[0044] Therefore, when the motor torque is applied while the output gear is in contact with the stopper, the gear shaft is idled by the first and second magnets, thus preventing damage to the drive gear and the output gear.

[0045] Furthermore, without the need for additional sensors to sense the contact between the gear and the stopper, additional limiter switches, additional PCB substrates for stop signals, etc., damage to the gear can be prevented, thus reducing the size of the product and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0046] Furthermore, when the motor is overpowered, the gear shaft is idling through the first and second magnets, thus damping the torque applied to the motor by the overpower, thereby preventing damage to the drive gear and output gear.

[0047] Furthermore, the first magnet includes a plurality of first magnet units arranged in the circumferential direction, and the second magnet includes a plurality of second magnet units arranged in the circumferential direction. Adjacent magnet units of the plurality of first magnet units are magnetized to have different poles from each other, and adjacent magnet units of the plurality of second magnet units are magnetized to have different poles from each other. The first magnet units and second magnet units that are opposite each other in the plurality of first magnet units and the plurality of second magnet units have different polarities from each other.

[0048] Furthermore, the ratio of the number of the aforementioned plurality of first magnet units to the number of the aforementioned plurality of second magnet units is consistent with the aforementioned second gear ratio.

[0049] Invention Effects

[0050] This specification provides a valve actuator that prevents gear damage when applying motor torque while the gear is in contact with the stopper.

[0051] Additionally, a valve actuator is provided that dampens the torque applied to the motor by overpower.

[0052] In addition, valve actuators that can reduce product size and manufacturing costs can be provided.

[0053] In addition, valve actuators are available that can operate even under high-speed sliding conditions, such as thousands of rpm.

[0054] In addition, it can provide lubrication under high-speed sliding conditions so as not to damage the valve actuator structure. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 This is a front view of the ball valve and valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification.

[0057] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification.

[0058] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a portion of the structure of the valve actuator according to the first embodiment of this specification.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the first gear of the first embodiment of this specification.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a top view of the first gear of the first embodiment of this specification.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification.

[0062] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of a portion of the structure.

[0063] Figures 10 to 12 This is an operational diagram of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification.

[0064] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of the ball valve according to the first embodiment of this specification.

[0065] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the first gear of the second embodiment of this specification.

[0066] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve actuator of the third embodiment of this specification.

[0067] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a portion of the structure of the valve actuator according to the fourth embodiment of this specification.

[0068] Figure 17 This is a top view of a portion of the structure of the valve actuator of the fourth embodiment of this specification.

[0069] (Symbol Explanation)

[0070] 10: Ball valve 11: Connection part

[0071] 20: Valve actuator; 110: Housing

[0072] 120: Motor; 130: Drive gear

[0073] 140, 150, 160: Transmission gears; 170: Output gear

[0074] 180: Output shaft 190: Stopper

[0075] 200: Magnet 210: First Magnet

[0076] 220: First magnet; 300: Drive gear

[0077] 410: First magnet 420: Second magnet

[0078] 1431, 1433: Trough Detailed Implementation

[0079] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0080] When describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when referring to a component as being "connected" or "linked" to other components, it may be either directly connected or linked to other components, or connected or linked with other components in between.

[0081] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions are omitted where specific details of related well-known technologies would obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are used to aid in understanding the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings, but include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope of the ideas and techniques of this specification.

[0082] On the other hand, the terminology used in a disclosure can be replaced by terms such as document, specification, or description.

[0083] Figure 1 This is a front view of the ball valve and valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a portion of the structure of the valve actuator according to the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the first gear of the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 7 This is a top view of the first gear of the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of a portion of the structure. Figures 10 to 12 This is an operational diagram of the valve actuator of the first embodiment of this specification. Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of the ball valve according to the first embodiment of this specification.

[0084] Reference Figures 1 to 13The valve actuator 20 of the first embodiment of this specification includes a housing 110, a motor 120, a drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, 160, an output gear 170, an output shaft 180, a stopper 190, and a magnet 200. However, it may be implemented by removing some of the structures, and additional structures are not excluded.

[0085] Valve actuator 20 is coupled to the upper part of plate 11, which is coupled to the upper part of ball valve 10. The output shaft 180 of actuator 20 is coupled 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. Ball valve 10 includes valve stem fixing part 15 coupled to valve stem 13 and O-ring 14 disposed at the lower part of valve stem 13.

[0086] The housing 110 is formed in a hexahedral shape. The housing 110 forms the appearance of the valve actuator 20. The housing 110 is disposed on one side of the ball valve 10. The housing 110 is disposed on the upper part of the ball valve 10. The housing 110 houses a motor 120, a drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, and 160, an output gear 170, an output shaft 180, and a stopper 190.

[0087] Motor 120 is disposed within housing 110. Motor 120 is fitted into a slot in housing 110, with one side disposed inside housing 110 and the other side protruding outside housing 110. This improves space efficiency. Drive gear 130 is coupled to the motor shaft of motor 120.

[0088] 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 controlling the number of rotations decreases compared to an AC motor, but this can be compensated for by the physical stop 190 of valve actuator 20.

[0089] Drive gear 130 is coupled to the motor shaft of motor 120. When the motor shaft of motor 120 rotates in one direction, drive gear 130 rotates in that direction; when the motor shaft rotates in another direction, drive gear 130 rotates in the other direction. Drive gear 130 is externally connected to transmission gears 140, 150, and 160. Drive gear 130 is an external gear.

[0090] Transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 are externally connected to drive gear 130. While drive gear 130 rotates, transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 rotate according to a predetermined gear ratio. Transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 are externally connected to output gear 170. Transmission gears 140, 150, and 160, according to the predetermined gear ratio, reduce the speed of drive gear 130 and transmit the torque to output gear 170. Thus, transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 increase the torque transmitted from drive gear 130 and transmit it to output gear 170.

[0091] The transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 include the first gear 140, the second gear 150, and the third gear 160.

[0092] The first gear 140 is externally connected to the drive gear 130. The first gear 140 is externally connected to the second gear 150. The first gear 140 is externally connected to the drive gear 130 and rotates relative to the drive gear 130 according to a specified gear ratio, and is externally connected to the second gear 150 so that the second gear 150 rotates relative to the first gear 140 according to a specified gear ratio.

[0093] The first gear 140 includes an outer portion 141, a first external gear 142, an inner portion 143, a second external gear 144, and a magnet 200.

[0094] The outer portion 141 is disposed outside the inner portion 143. The outer portion 141 and the inner portion 143 are separated in the radial direction. A first external gear 142 is formed on the outer portion 141. A first magnet 210 is disposed on the outer portion 141.

[0095] The first external gear 142 is externally connected to the drive gear 130. As a result, the outer portion 141 of the first gear 140 rotates relative to the drive gear 130 according to a predetermined gear ratio.

[0096] The magnet 200 includes a first magnet 210 disposed on the outer side 141 and a second magnet 220 disposed on the inner side 143. The first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220 are separated in the radial direction. For example, the inner surface of the first magnet 210 and the outer surface of the second magnet 220 have a predetermined gap g1. The second magnet 220 is disposed on the inner side of the first magnet 210.

[0097] The first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220 have different polarities. Regions of the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220 that are opposite to each other also have different polarities. For example, if a region of the first magnet 210 has an N pole, a region of the second magnet 220 opposite to that region has an S pole. The first magnet 210 rotates as the outer portion 141 rotates, and the second magnet 220 rotates together with the first magnet 210 by magnetic force.

[0098] Therefore, when the torque of the motor 120 is applied while the output gear 170 is in contact with the stopper 190, the outer part 141 is idling over the inner part 143 by the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220, thus preventing damage to the drive gear 130, the transmission gears 140, 150, 160 and the output gear 170.

[0099] Furthermore, without the need for additional sensors, limiter switches, or PCB substrates for sensing the contact between the output gear 170 and the stopper 190, damage to the drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, 160, and output gear 170 can be prevented, thus reducing product size and manufacturing costs.

[0100] The attraction between the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220 is greater than the average output of the motor 120 but less than its maximum output. Therefore, when the motor 120 is overpowered, the outer portion 141 idles against the inner portion 143 via the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220, thus damping the torque applied to the motor 120 due to overpower, thereby preventing damage to the drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, 160, and output gear 170. In particular, this can compensate for overpowering of the motor 120 that may occur when the motor 120 is constructed from an inexpensive DC motor.

[0101] The first magnet 210 includes a plurality of first magnet units 212, 214, 216, and 218, which are adjacent magnet units and have different polarities. The second magnet 220 includes a plurality of second magnet units 222, 224, 226, and 228, which are adjacent to and opposite to the plurality of first magnet units 212, 214, 216, and 218 and have different polarities. For example, the first-1 magnet unit 212 has an N pole, the first-2 magnet unit 214 has an S pole, the first-3 magnet unit 216 has an N pole, the first-4 magnet unit 218 has an S pole, the second-1 magnet unit 222 has an S pole, the second-2 magnet unit 224 has an N pole, the second-3 magnet unit 226 has an S pole, and the second-4 magnet unit 228 has an N pole. In the first embodiment of this specification, the example is given with four units each of the plurality of first magnet units 212, 214, 216, 218 and the plurality of second magnet units 222, 224, 226, 228, but any number of two or more units is acceptable.

[0102] The inner portion 143 is disposed inside the outer portion 141. The inner portion 143 and the outer portion 141 are separated in the radial direction. A second external gear 144 is formed on the inner portion 143. A second magnet 220 is disposed on the outer portion 143. The outer portion 143 rotates according to the rotation of the second magnet 220.

[0103] The upper and lower ends of the inner portion 143 are supported by the inner side of the outer casing 110, and the upper or lower end of the outer portion 131 is supported in the vertical direction by the inner portion 143. In this case, the height of the first magnet 210 is higher than the height of the second magnet 220. As a result, the outer portion 141 remains in a floating state relative to the inner portion 143 without disengaging from the inner portion 143, thus enabling operation even under high-speed sliding conditions, such as thousands of rpm.

[0104] like Figure 8 As shown in the figure, when the lower end of the outer side 141 is supported in the vertical direction by the inner side 143, the central region of the first magnet 210 is positioned lower than the central region of the second magnet 220.

[0105] In contrast, when the upper end of the outer side 141 is supported in the vertical direction by the inner side 143, the central region of the first magnet 210 is positioned higher than the central region of the second magnet 220.

[0106] The inner portion 143 includes grooves 1431, 1433 formed in the region supporting the upper or lower end of the outer portion 141. In this case, the valve actuator 20 includes lubricant disposed in the grooves 1431, 1433. Thus, the lubricant provides lubrication to prevent damage to the inner portion 143 and the outer portion 141 under high-speed sliding conditions.

[0107] A second external gear 144 is formed in the inner portion 143. The second external gear 144 is separated from the first external gear 142 in the vertical direction. This improves space efficiency. The size of the second external gear 144 in the radial direction is smaller than the size of the first external gear 142 in the radial direction. The second external gear 144 is externally connected to the second gear 150. The second external gear 144 rotates the second gear 150 relative to the first gear 140 at a predetermined gear ratio.

[0108] The second gear 150 is externally connected to the first gear 140. The second gear 150 is externally connected to the third gear 160. The second gear 150 is externally connected to the first gear 140 and rotates relative to the first gear 140 at a specified gear ratio, and is externally connected to the third gear 160 so that the third gear 160 rotates relative to the second gear 150 at a specified gear ratio.

[0109] The second gear 150 includes a third external gear 152 and a fourth external gear 154. The third external gear 152 is externally connected to the second external gear 144 of the first gear 140, and the fourth external gear 154 is externally connected to the third gear 160. The third external gear 152 and the fourth external gear 154 are separated in the vertical direction. This improves space efficiency. The size of the fourth external gear 154 in the radial direction is smaller than the size of the third external gear 152 in the radial direction.

[0110] The third gear 160 is externally connected to the second gear 150. The third gear 160 is externally connected to the output gear 170. The third gear 160 is externally connected to the second gear 150 and rotates relative to the second gear 150 at a specified gear ratio, and is externally connected to the output gear 170 so that the output gear 170 rotates relative to the third gear 160 at a specified gear ratio.

[0111] The third gear 160 includes a fifth external gear 162 and a sixth external gear 164. The fifth external gear 162 is externally connected to the fourth external gear 154 of the second gear 150, and the sixth external gear 164 is externally connected to the output gear 170. The fifth external gear 162 and the sixth external gear 164 are separated in the vertical direction. This improves space efficiency. The size of the fifth external gear 162 in the radial direction is larger than the size of the sixth external gear 164 in the radial direction.

[0112] In the embodiments of the present invention, the case in which the transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 are composed of three gears is described as an example, but it should be understood that the transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 include more than one gear.

[0113] Output gear 170 is externally connected to transmission gears 140, 150, and 160. Output gear 170 is coupled to output shaft 180. Output gear 170 has its rotation radius limited by stopper 190. Output gear 170 rotates in one direction or another through transmission gears 140, 150, and 160, thereby causing output shaft 180 to rotate in one direction or another.

[0114] An output shaft 180 is disposed within the housing 110. The output shaft 180 passes through the housing 110, with one side connected to an output gear 170 and the other side connected to the valve stem 13 of the ball valve 10. The output shaft 180 rotates 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. This opens and closes the ball valve 10.

[0115] A stopper 190 is disposed on the housing 110. The stopper 190 is formed on the inner side of the housing 110. The stopper 190 is disposed within the rotation radius of the output gear 170. The stopper 190 limits the rotation angle of the output gear 170.

[0116] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The operation of valve actuator 20 will be explained.

[0117] Will Figure 10 Assuming it is in the initial state, the ball valve 10 is in the open state.

[0118] like Figure 11 As shown, when the motor 120 rotates the drive gear 130 in one direction, the first gear 140 connected to the drive gear 130 rotates in the other direction, the second gear 150 connected to the first gear 140 rotates in one direction, the third gear 160 connected to the second gear 150 rotates in the other direction, and the output gear 170 connected to the third gear 160 rotates in one direction. The output shaft 180, connected to the output gear 170, rotates in one direction, thus closing the ball valve 10. In this case, the rotation radius of the output gear 170 is limited by the stopper 190, thereby preventing damage to the ball valve 10.

[0119] like Figure 12As shown, when the motor 120 causes the drive gear 130 to rotate in another direction, the first gear 140 connected to the drive gear 130 rotates in one direction, the second gear 150 connected to the first gear 140 rotates in another direction, the third gear 160 connected to the second gear 150 rotates in one direction, and the output gear 170 connected to the third gear 160 rotates in another direction. The output shaft 180, which is connected to the output gear 170, rotates in another direction, thus closing the ball valve 10. In this case, the rotation radius of the output gear 170 is limited by the stopper 190, preventing damage to the ball valve 10.

[0120] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, with the ball valve 10 closed, the motor 120 continues to operate. In this case, the outer portion 141 is idling relative to the inner portion 143 by the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 220, thus preventing damage to the drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, 160, and output gear 170.

[0121] In the first embodiment of this specification, the case where the magnet 200 is disposed on the first gear 140 is described as an example, but the magnet 200 may also be disposed on the second gear 150 or the third gear 160. However, when the magnet 200 is disposed on the first gear 140, damage to the product can be effectively prevented compared to when the magnet 200 is disposed on the second gear 150 or the third gear 160.

[0122] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the first gear of the second embodiment of this specification.

[0123] Reference Figure 14 In the second embodiment of this specification, the plurality of first magnet units of the first magnet 210 of the first gear 140 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of second magnet units of the second magnet 220 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0124] The first magnet 210 has multiple first magnet units respectively installed in multiple slots formed on the inner side of the outer side portion 143. The second magnet 220 has multiple second magnet units respectively installed in multiple slots formed on the outer side of the inner side portion 143.

[0125] Compared with the first embodiment, the second embodiment of this specification improves the bonding force of the magnet 200 relative to the first gear 140, thereby improving the safety of the product.

[0126] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve actuator of the third embodiment of this specification.

[0127] Reference Figure 15 The valve actuator of the third embodiment of this specification includes: a housing 110; a motor 120 disposed in the housing 110; a drive gear 300 coupled to the motor shaft of the motor 120; an output gear 170 coupled to an output shaft 180 and externally connected to the drive gear 300; and a stopper 190 disposed in the housing 110 and limiting the rotation radius of the output gear 170.

[0128] The specific structure of the valve actuator in the third embodiment of this specification, which is not described, is the same as the specific structure of the valve actuator 20 in the first embodiment of this specification.

[0129] The valve actuator of the third embodiment of this specification is formed by removing the transmission gears 140, 150, and 160 and placing the magnet 200 on the drive gear 130 in the valve actuator 20 of the first embodiment.

[0130] The drive gear 300 is coupled to the motor shaft of the motor 120, causing the motor 120 to rotate in one direction or the other. The drive gear 300 is externally connected to the output gear 170, causing the output gear 170 to rotate at a specified gear ratio.

[0131] The drive gear 300 includes: an outer portion; an inner portion disposed on the inner side of the outer portion; a first magnet disposed on the outer portion; and a second magnet disposed on the inner portion opposite to the first magnet. The inner portion of the drive gear 300 is coupled to the gear shaft of the motor 120, and the outer portion of the drive gear 300 is externally connected to the output gear 170.

[0132] Therefore, when the torque of the motor 120 is applied while the output gear 170 is in contact with the stopper 190, the inner side of the drive gear 300 is made to rotate relative to the outer side of the drive gear 300 by the first magnet and the second magnet of the drive gear 300, thus preventing damage to the drive gear 300 and the output gear 170.

[0133] Meanwhile, without the need for additional sensors, limiter switches, or PCB substrates for sensing the contact between the output gear 170 and the stopper 190, damage to the drive gear 300 and the output gear 170 can be prevented, thus reducing the size of the product and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0134] Furthermore, when the motor 120 is overpowered, the inner side of the drive gear 300 is made to idle relative to the outer side of the drive gear 300 by the first magnet and the second magnet of the drive gear 300. Therefore, the torque of the motor 120 applied by the overpower is damped, thereby preventing damage to the drive gear 300 and the output gear 170.

[0135] The inner portion of the drive gear 300 is coupled to the motor shaft of the motor 120 and rotates together with the motor shaft. The inner portion of the drive gear 300 also supports the upper or lower end of the outer portion of the drive gear 300 in the vertical direction. In this case, the height of the first magnet of the drive gear 300 is higher than the height of the second magnet of the drive gear 300. Therefore, the outer portion of the drive gear 300 remains suspended relative to the inner portion of the drive gear 300 without disengaging, thus enabling operation even under high-speed sliding conditions, such as thousands of rpm.

[0136] When the upper end of the outer part of the drive gear 300 is supported in the vertical direction by the inner part of the drive gear 300, the central region of the first magnet of the drive gear 300 is positioned higher than the central region of the second magnet of the drive gear 300.

[0137] When the lower end of the outer part of the drive gear 300 is supported in the vertical direction by the inner part of the drive gear 300, the central region of the first magnet of the drive gear 300 is arranged lower than the central region of the second magnet of the drive gear 300.

[0138] The inner portion of the drive gear 300 includes a groove formed in the region at the upper or lower end of the outer portion supporting the drive gear 300, and a lubricant is disposed in the groove. Thus, the lubricant provides lubrication, preventing damage to the structure under high-speed sliding conditions.

[0139] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a portion of the structure of the valve actuator according to the fourth embodiment of this specification. Figure 17 This is a top view of a portion of the structure of the valve actuator of the fourth embodiment of this specification.

[0140] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 The valve actuator of the fourth embodiment includes: a housing 110; a motor 120 disposed in the housing 110; a drive gear 130 coupled to the motor shaft of the motor 120; transmission gears 140 and 150 externally connected to the drive gear 130 and rotating in accordance with a first gear ratio when the drive gear 130 rotates; an output gear 170 coupled to an output shaft 180 and externally connected to the transmission gears 140 and 150; and a stopper 190 disposed in the housing 110 and limiting the rotation radius of the output gear 170.

[0141] The specific structure of the valve actuator in the fourth embodiment of this specification, which is not described, is the same as the specific structure of the valve actuator 20 in the first embodiment of this specification.

[0142] The transmission gears 140 and 150 include: a first transmission gear 140 externally connected to the drive gear 130, which rotates relative to the drive gear 130 at a first gear ratio when the drive gear 130 rotates; and a second transmission gear 150 rotating relative to the first transmission gear 140 at a second gear ratio when the first transmission gear 140 rotates. The second transmission gear 150 is externally connected to the output gear 170.

[0143] The transmission gears 140 and 150 include a cylindrical first magnet 410 disposed on the first transmission gear 140 and a cylindrical second magnet 420 disposed on the second transmission gear 150. The first magnet 410 and the second magnet 420 are separated in the horizontal direction. The first magnet 410 and the second magnet 420 have a predetermined gap g2. The first magnet 410 and the second magnet 420 overlap in the horizontal direction.

[0144] Therefore, when the torque of the motor 120 is applied while the output gear 170 is in contact with the stopper 190, the first transmission gear 140 is made to idle on the second transmission gear 150 by the first magnet 410 and the second magnet 420, thus preventing the drive gear 130, transmission gears 140 and 150, and output gear 170 from being damaged.

[0145] Meanwhile, without the need for additional sensors, limiter switches, or PCB boards for stopping signals to sense contact between the output gear 170 and the stopper 190, damage to the drive gear 130, transmission gears 140, 150, and output gear 170 can be prevented, thus reducing product size and manufacturing costs.

[0146] Furthermore, when the motor 120 is overpowered, the first transmission gear 140 is idling relative to the second transmission gear 150 by the first magnet 410 and the second magnet 420, thus damping the torque of the motor 120 applied by the overpower, thereby preventing damage to the drive gear 130, transmission gears 140 and 150, and output gear 170.

[0147] The first magnet 410 includes a plurality of first magnet units arranged in the circumferential direction, and the second magnet 420 includes a plurality of second magnet units arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0148] Adjacent magnet units of the plurality of first magnet units are magnetized to have different poles, and adjacent magnet units of the plurality of second magnet units are magnetized to have different poles. The first and second magnet units facing each other in the plurality of first and second magnet units have different polarities. The ratio of the number of the plurality of first magnet units to the number of the plurality of second magnet units is consistent with the second gear ratio.

[0149] The valve actuator of the fifth embodiment includes: a housing 110; a motor 120 disposed in the housing 110; a drive gear 130 coupled to the motor shaft of the motor 120; a cylindrical first magnet 410 coupled to the drive gear 130; an output gear 170 coupled to an output shaft 180; a cylindrical second magnet 420 coupled to the output gear 170; and a stopper 190 disposed in the housing 110 to limit the rotation radius of the output gear 170.

[0150] The specific structure of the valve actuator in the fifth embodiment of this specification, which is not described, is the same as the specific structure of the valve actuator in the fourth embodiment of this specification.

[0151] The valve brake of the fifth embodiment of this specification is constructed by removing the transmission gears 140 and 150 from the valve actuator of the fourth embodiment of this specification, and by connecting the first magnet 410 to the drive gear 130 and the second magnet 420 to the output gear 170.

[0152] The embodiments described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. The various structures or functions of the embodiments described above can be used or combined.

[0153] For example, structure A, as illustrated in a specific embodiment and / or accompanying drawings, and structure B, as illustrated in another embodiment and / or accompanying drawings, can be combined. That is, even if the combination between structures is not directly described, they can be combined except where it is stated that they cannot be combined.

[0154] The detailed description above is not intended to be limiting in any way, but is merely illustrative. The scope of this specification should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this specification are included within its scope.

Claims

1. A valve actuator comprising: shell; The motor is disposed in the aforementioned housing; A drive gear, which is coupled to the motor shaft of the aforementioned motor; The transmission gear is externally connected to the aforementioned drive gear and rotates according to a predetermined gear ratio while the aforementioned drive gear is rotating. An output gear, which is coupled to the output shaft and externally connected to the aforementioned transmission gear; and A stopper, disposed in the aforementioned housing, limits the rotation radius of the aforementioned output gear. The aforementioned transmission gear includes: an outer portion; An inner portion is disposed inside the aforementioned outer portion; a first magnet is disposed on the aforementioned outer portion; and a second magnet is disposed on the aforementioned inner portion opposite to the aforementioned first magnet. The upper and lower ends of the aforementioned inner portion are supported by the inner surface of the aforementioned outer casing. The upper or lower end of the aforementioned outer portion is supported in the vertical direction by the aforementioned inner portion. The height of the first magnet is greater than the height of the second magnet.

2. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The first magnet and the second magnet described above have different polarities.

3. The valve actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet is greater than the average output of the motor and less than the maximum output of the motor.

4. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned first magnet comprises a plurality of first magnet units, wherein adjacent magnet units of the plurality of first magnet units have different polarities from each other. The aforementioned second magnet includes a plurality of second magnet units that are respectively opposite to the plurality of first magnet units, and adjacent magnet units of the plurality of second magnet units have different polarities from each other.

5. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, With the upper end of the aforementioned outer portion supported vertically by the aforementioned inner portion, the central region of the first magnet is positioned higher than the central region of the second magnet. With the lower end of the outer portion supported vertically by the inner portion, the central region of the first magnet is positioned lower than the central region of the second magnet.

6. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned inner portion includes a groove formed in the region that supports the upper or lower end of the aforementioned outer portion.

7. The valve actuator according to claim 6, wherein, The valve actuator includes a lubricant disposed in the aforementioned tank.

8. The valve actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned transmission gear includes: The first gear is externally connected to the aforementioned drive gear; The second gear is externally connected to the aforementioned first gear; and The third gear is externally connected to the aforementioned second gear. The first gear mentioned above includes the outer side portion, the inner side portion, the first magnet, and the second magnet.

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