External control device of electric actuating mechanism

Abstract

The invention provides an external control device of an electric actuating mechanism, and aims to solve the problems that an internal control panel of an existing electric actuating mechanism is poor in universality and complex to maintain. The device comprises an absolute value encoder, an analog quantity relay, a valve opening and closing contactor, a motor protector, a control button and an external controller. By receiving an instruction of an upper computer, the device can accurately control the opening and closing positions of the valve and has a perfect protection function. The device is simple in structure, convenient to maintain, high in universality and capable of adapting to most electric actuating mechanisms controlled by relay instructions, and the maintenance cost and the technical requirements for maintenance personnel are remarkably reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an external control device for an electric actuator, which is particularly suitable for an electric actuator controlled by a relay, and can replace its damaged internal control components, enhance the universality of the device, facilitate the elimination of device defects, and save maintenance costs. Background Art

[0002] In modern industry, various valves widely use electric actuators for operation to achieve automatic control. The traditional electric actuator receives commands from the upper computer through an internal integrated circuit board to control the start of the motor, and then realizes the opening and closing operations of the valve. However, the internal control board of the electric actuator in the prior art has the following problems:

[0003] Poor universality: The integrated circuit boards of different brands and models have different designs and cannot be replaced universally. When repairing, only components of a specific model can be purchased, increasing the maintenance cost;

[0004] Complex repair: Once the internal integrated circuit board is damaged, the repair is difficult and requires a high technical level of maintenance personnel;

[0005] Limited functions: The existing control board has deficiencies in valve position control and protection functions, cannot flexibly adjust the opening and closing positions of the valve, and the protection mechanism is not perfect when the valve is jammed or fails.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an external control device for an electric actuator that can solve the above problems to improve the universality and maintenance efficiency of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to the above-mentioned technical problems, an external control device for an electric actuator is provided. The present invention realizes the efficient control and protection of the electric actuator by using general-purpose components, and at the same time reduces the maintenance cost and the technical requirements for maintenance personnel.

[0008] The technical means adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0009] An external control device for an electric actuator, comprising:

[0010] An absolute encoder, installed at the original position sensor connecting rod of the electric actuator;

[0011] An analog relay, connected to the absolute encoder, for receiving and processing analog signals;

[0012] Open and close valve contactors, connected to the analog relay, for controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor;

[0013] Motor protector, the cable of the motor passes through the hole in the middle of the motor protector, and the motor protector is connected to an external controller for real-time monitoring of current changes;

[0014] Control button, connected to the external controller, used to manually control the opening and closing operations of the valve;

[0015] External controller, placed near the electric actuator, used to receive instructions from the upper computer and control the operation of the actuator.

[0016] Further, the absolute encoder outputs an analog signal of 4 - 20 mA, which is used to represent the opening and closing positions of the valve, where 4 mA represents the valve is closed in place and 20 mA represents the valve is opened in place.

[0017] Further, the analog relay compares the analog signal output by the absolute encoder with the internal set value, and when the set value is reached, it controls the valve contactor to stop operating.

[0018] Further, the motor protector detects the current change situation in real time. When the detected current value exceeds the set safety value, it automatically cuts off the power supply to protect the external controller and the electric actuator.

[0019] Further, the external controller also includes a power supply module, and the power supply module includes a power switch and a transformer, which are used to provide power supply and control power for the entire device and the electric actuator, where:

[0020] The power supply is connected to the power switch of the external control device, the power switch outputs the power supply, and the power supply reaches the motor forward and reverse relay after passing through the motor protector;

[0021] The power supply outputs 220V control power through the transformer to supply power to each electrical component.

[0022] Further, the control button is used to manually control the opening and closing of the electric actuator, providing a backup manual control method for use when the automatic control fails.

[0023] Further, the device is adapted to most electric actuators that use relay command control, and has high versatility.

[0024] Further, the device also includes a communication interface, which is used for data communication with the upper computer to realize remote monitoring and control.

[0025] Further, the device also includes an alarm module, which is used to emit an alarm signal when an abnormal situation is detected.

[0026] Furthermore, the device further includes a data storage module for storing valve operation records and fault information, facilitating subsequent maintenance and analysis.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0028] 1. An externally mounted control device for an electric actuator provided by the present invention is designed with general-purpose components. During maintenance, only the damaged single component needs to be replaced, reducing the maintenance cost.

[0029] 2. An externally mounted control device for an electric actuator provided by the present invention can be adapted to most electric actuators controlled by relay commands, improving the versatility of the device.

[0030] 3. An externally mounted control device for an electric actuator provided by the present invention realizes precise control of the opening and closing positions of the valve and has perfect protection functions, improving the reliability and safety of the device.

[0031] 4. An externally mounted control device for an electric actuator provided by the present invention simplifies the maintenance process, has low requirements for the technical level of maintenance personnel, and saves labor costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. The description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and in no way restrictive of the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of the components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be clear that, for the sake of convenience of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the authorized specification. In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific value should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal", and "top, bottom", etc., are generally based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Without contrary instructions, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present invention: the orientation words "inside, outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

[0039] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper" etc. can be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature shown in the figure with other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure for the device. For example, if the device in the attached drawing is inverted, a device described as "above or over other devices or structures" will then be positioned "below or under other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and corresponding interpretations are made for the spatial relative descriptions used here.

[0040] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first", "second" etc. to define components is only for the convenience of differentiating the corresponding components. Without additional declaration, the above terms have no special meaning, and thus cannot be construed as a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention.

[0041] As Figure 1 shown, the present invention provides an externally-mounted control device for an electric actuator, comprising:

[0042] An absolute encoder, installed at the original position sensor connecting rod inside the electric actuator;

[0043] An analog relay, connected to the absolute encoder, for receiving and processing analog signals;

[0044] Open and close valve contactors, connected to the analog relay, for controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor;

[0045] A motor protector, through which the cable of the motor passes through the hole in the middle of the motor protector, and the motor protector is connected to the externally-mounted controller, for real-time monitoring of current changes;

[0046] Control buttons, connected to the externally-mounted controller, for manually controlling the opening and closing operations of the valve;

[0047] An externally-mounted controller, placed near the electric actuator, for receiving instructions from the host computer and controlling the operation of the actuator.

[0048] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the absolute encoder outputs an analog signal of 4 - 20 mA, used to represent the opening and closing positions of the valve, where 4 mA represents the valve is closed in place, and 20 mA represents the valve is opened in place.

[0049] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the analog relay compares the analog signal output by the absolute encoder with the internal set value. When the set value is reached (equal to 4 mA means the valve is closed in place, and equal to 20 mA means the valve is open in place), it controls the opening or closing valve contactor to stop operating (the analog relay operates, and the digital quantity is output to the opening and closing valve contactors, and the contactors stop operating). In this embodiment, since the absolute encoder can output an analog quantity, the host computer can judge the actual position of the valve through the analog quantity. Therefore, the valve action can be stopped when the valve is opened or closed to the middle position. The opening and closing positions of the valve can also be changed by setting the internal set value of the analog relay to achieve the control of incomplete opening and closing of the valve.

[0050] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the motor protector detects the current change situation in real time. When the detected current value exceeds the set safety value, it automatically cuts off the power supply to protect the external controller and the electric actuator.

[0051] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the external controller further includes a power supply module. The power supply module includes a power switch and a transformer, and is used to provide power supply and control power for the entire device and the electric actuator, where:

[0052] The power supply is connected to the power switch of the external control device. The power switch outputs the power supply. The power supply reaches the motor forward and reverse relay after passing through the motor protector;

[0053] The power supply outputs 220V control power through the transformer to supply power to each electrical component.

[0054] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the control button is used to manually control the opening and closing of the electric actuator, providing a backup manual control method for use when the automatic control fails.

[0055] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the device is adapted to most electric actuators controlled by relay instructions and has high versatility.

[0056] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the device further includes a communication interface for data communication with the host computer to achieve remote monitoring and control.

[0057] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the device further includes an alarm module for emitting an alarm signal when an abnormal situation is detected.

[0058] In specific implementation, as a preferred implementation manner of the present invention, the device further includes a data storage module for storing valve operation records and fault information for subsequent maintenance and analysis.

[0059] In summary, for the external control device of an electric actuator provided by the present invention, its working principle is as follows:

[0060] The power supply provides power for the entire external control device of the electric actuator and the electric actuator body;

[0061] The power supply is connected to the power switch of the external control device. The power switch outputs the power supply. The power supply reaches the forward and reverse motor relays after passing through the motor protector; the power supply outputs 220V control power through the transformer to supply power to each electrical component.

[0062] When the external control device receives the command input from the upper computer, it is transmitted to the analog relay through the valve open / close command relay. The analog relay determines the valve position and whether the valve can be opened / closed through the absolute encoder. If it can, it controls the action of the open / close valve contactor to provide power supply for the motor of the electric actuator and make it rotate.

[0063] The motor drives the internal gear mechanism of the electric actuator to rotate. Part of the gears and linkages drive the absolute encoder to rotate. The absolute encoder outputs an analog current of 4 - 20 mA (4 mA represents the valve closed in place, and 20 mA represents the valve opened in place).

[0064] After receiving the analog quantity output by the absolute encoder, the analog relay compares it with the internal set value. When the set value is reached (equal to 4 mA for closed in place, equal to 20 mA for opened in place), the analog relay acts, and the digital quantity is output to the open / close valve contactor, and the contactor stops acting.

[0065] Since the absolute encoder can output analog quantities, the upper computer can judge the actual position of the valve through the analog quantities. Therefore, the valve action can be stopped when the valve is opened / closed to the middle position. It is also possible to change the valve open / close position by setting the internal set value of the analog relay to achieve the control of the valve not being fully opened / closed.

[0066] The motor protector detects the current change situation in real time. When the current value is greater than the set safety value, it disconnects the power switch to protect the external controller and the electric actuator.

[0067] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An external control device for an electric actuator, characterized in that Including: An absolute encoder, installed at the original position sensor connecting rod inside the electric actuator; An analog relay, connected to the absolute encoder, for receiving and processing analog signals; Open and close valve contactors, connected to the analog relay, for controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor; A motor protector, through which the cable of the motor passes through the hole in the middle, and the motor protector is connected to an external controller, for real-time monitoring of current changes; Control buttons, connected to the external controller, for manually controlling the opening and closing operations of the valve; An external controller, placed near the electric actuator, for receiving commands from the upper computer and controlling the operation of the actuator.

2. The external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The absolute encoder outputs an analog signal of 4 - 20 mA, used to represent the open and closed positions of the valve, where 4 mA represents the valve is closed in place, and 20 mA represents the valve is open in place.

3. The external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, wherein The analog relay compares the analog signal output by the absolute encoder with the internal set value. When the set value is reached, it controls the opening or closing valve contactor to stop operating.

4. An external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor protector detects the current change situation in real time. When the detected current value exceeds the set safety value, it automatically cuts off the power supply to protect the external controller and the electric actuator.

5. An external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external controller further includes a power supply module, and the power supply module includes a power switch and a transformer, for providing power supply and control power for the entire device and the electric actuator, where: The power supply is connected to the power switch of the external control device, the power switch outputs the power supply, and the power supply reaches the motor forward and reverse relay after passing through the motor protector; The power supply outputs 220V control power through the transformer to supply power to each electrical component.

6. The external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that The control buttons are used to manually control the opening and closing of the electric actuator, providing a backup manual control method for use when the automatic control fails.

7. The external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, wherein The device is adapted to most electric actuators using relay command control and has high versatility.

8. An external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a communication interface, for data communication with the upper computer to achieve remote monitoring and control.

9. The external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that The device further includes an alarm module, for emitting an alarm signal when an abnormal situation is detected.

10. An external control device for an electric actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a data storage module, for storing valve operation records and fault information, facilitating subsequent maintenance and analysis.

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