A valve actuator with automatic switching between manual and automatic modes

Abstract

The application discloses a valve actuator capable of automatically switching manual mode, and belongs to the technical field of valves. The valve actuator mainly comprises a shell, a power unit, an output end rotatably arranged on the shell, a driven worm rotatably arranged on the shell, a manual rotating shaft and a push block. A driving worm is connected to the output end of the power unit through a universal joint. The driving worm is perpendicular to the driven worm, and the driven worm is also perpendicular to the output end. A worm gear I meshing with the driving worm is arranged on the driven worm. A worm gear II meshing with the driven worm is arranged on the output end. The manual rotating shaft is arranged on the driven worm in the axial direction of the driven worm. The push block is arranged on one end surface of the worm gear I in the radial direction of the worm gear I. An elastic member is arranged on the push block. The elastic member always applies an elastic force to the push block to drive the push block to slide and approach the axis of the worm gear I. The valve actuator capable of automatically switching manual mode can simplify the operation of the manual mode and improve the use efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve technology, and more specifically to a valve actuator that automatically switches between manual and manual modes. Background Technology

[0002] A valve actuator is a drive device that provides rotary motion to control the opening and closing of a valve.

[0003] Existing valve actuators require switching the electrical control system to manual mode before switching to manual mode to ensure safety when the manual shaft rotates, making manual mode operation cumbersome.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new type of valve actuator that automatically switches between manual and automatic modes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a valve actuator with automatic switching between manual and manual modes, which can simplify the operation of manual mode and improve the efficiency of use.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A valve actuator with automatic switching between manual and automatic modes is provided, comprising a housing, a power unit mounted on the housing, an output end rotatably fitted on the housing, a driven worm gear rotatably fitted on the housing, a manual rotating shaft, and a push block. The output end of the power unit is connected to a driving worm gear via a universal joint. The driven worm gear is perpendicular to the driving worm gear and also perpendicular to the output end. A first worm wheel, meshing with the driving worm gear, is mounted on the driven worm gear. A second worm wheel, meshing with the driven worm gear, is mounted on the output end. The manual rotating shaft is slidably mounted on the driven worm gear along its axial direction. The push block is slidably mounted on one end face of the first worm wheel along its radial direction. An elastic element is provided on the push block, which always applies a spring force to the push block, causing it to slide closer to the axis of the worm gear. When the manual rotating shaft slides along the axis of the driven worm and approaches the push block, the manual rotating shaft switches to the first position. The manual rotating shaft pushes the push block to slide on the worm gear and away from the axis of the worm gear until the push block pushes the drive worm to swing along the universal joint and disengage from the worm gear. At the same time, the manual rotating shaft is connected to the driven worm. When the manual rotating shaft slides along the axis of the driven worm and away from the push block, the manual rotating shaft switches to the second position. Under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element, the push block slides on the worm gear and approaches the axis of the worm gear, causing the drive worm to lose the pushing force applied by the push block. The drive worm swings along the universal joint and resumes engagement with the worm gear.

[0007] Furthermore, a connecting sleeve is rotatably connected to one end of the manual rotating shaft near the driven worm. The connecting sleeve slides along the axial direction of the driven worm and is circumferentially limited between the connecting sleeve and the driven worm. An insert finger is eccentrically provided at one end of the connecting sleeve near the first worm wheel, and an insertion hole is provided on the end face of the first worm wheel near the connecting sleeve that is aligned with and adapted to the insert finger.

[0008] Furthermore, the driven worm gear has a pin hole on one end face near the manual rotating shaft, the pin hole being coaxial with the driven worm gear, and a connecting pin protruding on the end face of the manual rotating shaft near the driven worm gear, the connecting pin being coaxial with the manual rotating shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the push block has a pushing slope on the side facing the manual rotating shaft, and the front end of the connecting sleeve has a pushing part.

[0010] Furthermore, the push block has a force-applying end on the side away from the axis of the worm gear.

[0011] Furthermore, the force-applying end has a planar structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the push block is provided with a deformation groove near the force-applying end.

[0013] Furthermore, the valve actuator with automatic manual mode switching includes multiple push blocks, which are arranged in a circular array around the axis of the worm gear. The elastic element is a ring structure and is connected to the multiple push blocks.

[0014] Furthermore, a limiter is also installed on the housing. The contact of the limiter can output linear motion force. The contact of the limiter is opposite to the end of the drive worm that is away from the universal joint. A switch plate is installed on the manual rotating shaft. When the manual rotating shaft slides along the axial direction of the driven worm and moves away from the push block, that is, when the manual rotating shaft is switched to the second position, the switch plate opens the limiter. The contact of the limiter extends and pushes the drive worm to swing around the universal joint until the drive worm meshes with the worm wheel. When the manual rotating shaft slides along the axial direction of the driven worm and moves closer to the push block, that is, when the manual rotating shaft is switched to the first position, the switch plate closes the limiter, and the contact of the limiter is unloaded.

[0015] Furthermore, the limiter is an electromagnetic switch, and the on / off plate is switched on and off by cooperating with a limit switch.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a valve actuator with automatic switching between manual and automatic modes, comprising a housing, a power unit mounted on the housing, an output end rotatably fitted on the housing, a driven worm gear rotatably fitted on the housing, a manual rotating shaft, and a push block. A drive worm gear is connected to the output end of the power unit via a universal joint. The driven worm gear is perpendicular to the drive worm gear and also perpendicular to the output end. A worm wheel is mounted on the driven worm gear to mesh with the drive worm gear. A push block is mounted on the output end to mesh with the driven worm gear. The worm gear two is engaged with the driven worm. A manual rotating shaft is slidably mounted on the driven worm along its axial direction. A push block is slidably mounted on one end face of the worm gear one along its radial direction. The push block is equipped with an elastic element that constantly applies a force to the push block, driving it to slide closer to the axis of the worm gear one. When the manual rotating shaft slides along the axial direction of the driven worm and approaches the push block, the manual rotating shaft switches to the first position. The manual rotating shaft pushes the push block to slide on the worm gear one and away from its axis until the push block pushes the driven worm along its axial direction. The universal joint swings and disengages from the first worm gear, while the manual shaft connects to the driven worm, allowing the rotation of the manual shaft to drive the driven worm to rotate. Rotating the manual shaft then drives the driven worm to rotate, which in turn drives the second worm gear and the output end to rotate, enabling manual operation. Simultaneously, the engagement between the driving worm and the first worm gear is disengaged, preventing interference from the power unit and avoiding danger to the operator. Even if the power unit's electrical control is not disconnected, there is no safety risk to the rotation of the manual shaft. This solves the problem of existing technologies requiring switching the electrical control system to manual mode to ensure safety during manual shaft rotation, making manual operation cumbersome. When the manual shaft slides along the axis of the driven worm and moves away from the push block, it switches to the second position. Under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element, the push block slides on the first worm gear and approaches its axis, causing the driving worm to lose the pushing force applied by the push block. The driving worm then swings along the universal joint and re-engages with the first worm gear. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a valve actuator with automatic switching between manual and automatic modes, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a valve actuator with automatic switching between manual and manual modes, omitting the housing, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the driven worm gear and the manual rotating shaft, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3An exploded view of the structure shown.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Another perspective illustration.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pusher block provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the structure in its first operating state.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of region A in the middle.

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the structure in its second operating state.

[0027] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified view of region B in the middle.

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure in another working state.

[0029] The reference numerals in the figures are as follows: 1. Housing; 2. Power unit; 21. Drive worm; 22. Universal joint; 3. Output end; 31. Worm wheel two; 4. Driven worm; 41. Worm wheel one; 411. Insertion hole; 5. Manual rotating shaft; 51. Connecting pin; 52. Connecting sleeve; 521. Pin hole; 53. Insertion finger; 54. Pushing part; 55. Through-break plate; 6. Limiter; 61. Contact; 7. Push block; 71. Pushing inclined surface; 72. Deformation groove; 73. Force application end; 75. Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "connected to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0034] Throughout this specification, reference to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," or "in some of these embodiments" appear in various places throughout the specification, and not all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 11 As shown, a valve actuator with automatic manual mode switching provided by the present invention will now be described. This valve actuator includes a housing 1, a power unit 2 mounted on the housing 1, an output end 3 rotatably fitted on the housing 1, a driven worm gear 4 rotatably fitted on the housing 1, a manual rotating shaft 5, and a push block 7. The output end 3 is used to connect to the actuator (such as the valve stem on a valve) to output torque and drive the actuator to rotate. A drive worm gear 21 is connected to the output end of the power unit 2 via a universal joint 22. The worm 4 is perpendicular to the driving worm 21, and the driven worm 4 is also perpendicular to the output end 3. A worm wheel 41, meshing with the driving worm 21, is mounted on the driven worm 4. A worm wheel 31, meshing with the driven worm 4, is mounted on the output end 3. A manual rotating shaft 5 is slidably mounted on the driven worm 4 along its axial direction. A push block 7 is slidably mounted on one end face of the worm wheel 41 along its radial direction. An elastic element 75 is provided on the push block 7. The elastic element 75 constantly applies a spring force to the push block 7, causing it to slide closer to the axis of the worm wheel 41. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, when the manual rotating shaft 5 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and approaches the push block 7, as... Figure 9 As shown, when the manual rotating shaft 5 is switched to the first position, the manual rotating shaft 5 pushes the push block 7 to slide on the worm gear 41 and move away from the axis of the worm gear 41, as shown. Figure 11 As shown, until the push block 7 pushes the drive worm 21 to swing along the universal joint 22 and disengage from the worm wheel 41, the manual shaft 5 is connected to the driven worm 4, so that the rotation of the manual shaft 5 can drive the driven worm 4 to rotate. At this time, rotating the manual shaft 5 can drive the driven worm 4 to rotate. The rotation of the driven worm 4 then drives the worm wheel 31 and the output end 3 to rotate through meshing, realizing manual operation. At the same time, the meshing of the drive worm 21 and the worm wheel 41 is disengaged, avoiding interference from the power unit 2 to the rotation of the manual shaft 5 and avoiding danger to the operator. Even if the power unit 2's electrical control is not disconnected, it will not pose a safety risk to the rotation of the manual shaft 5. This solves the problem in the prior art that the electrical control system needs to be switched to manual mode before the safety of the manual shaft 5 can be guaranteed, making the manual mode operation cumbersome. When the manual shaft 5 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and moves away from the push block 7, as Figure 7 As shown, when the manual rotating shaft 5 is switched to the second position, the push block 7 slides on the worm gear 41 and approaches the axis of the worm gear 41 under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 75, as... Figure 2 As shown, this causes the drive worm 21 to lose the pushing force applied by the pusher block 7, and the drive worm 21 swings along the universal joint 22 and resumes engagement with the worm wheel 41.

[0036] like Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, a connecting sleeve 52 is rotatably connected to one end of the manual rotating shaft 5 near the driven worm 4. The connecting sleeve 52 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and is circumferentially limited between the connecting sleeve 52 and the driven worm 4, that is, the connecting sleeve 52 cannot rotate circumferentially relative to the driven worm 4. An insert finger 53 is eccentrically provided at one end of the connecting sleeve 52 near the worm wheel 41. The end face of the worm wheel 41 near the connecting sleeve 52 is provided with an insertion hole 411 that is aligned and adapted to the insert finger 53. When the manual rotating shaft 5 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and approaches the push block 7, that is, when the manual rotating shaft 5 is switched to the first position, the insert finger 53 is inserted into the insertion hole 411, thereby locking the manual rotating shaft 5, the driven worm 4 and the worm wheel 41 circumferentially when the manual rotating shaft 5 is switched to the first position. The rotation of the manual rotating shaft 5 drives the driven worm 4 and the worm wheel 41 to rotate.

[0037] like Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, the driven worm gear 4 has a pin hole 521 on one end face near the manual rotating shaft 5, the pin hole 521 being coaxial with the driven worm gear 4, and a connecting pin 51 protruding from the end face of the manual rotating shaft 5 near the driven worm gear 4, the connecting pin 51 being coaxial with the manual rotating shaft 5, as shown. Figure 9 As shown, when the manual rotating shaft 5 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and approaches the push block 7, that is, when the manual rotating shaft 5 switches to the first position, the connecting pin 51 is inserted into the pin hole 521. This can guide the insertion of the finger 53 and the insertion hole 411 during the process of the manual rotating shaft 5 switching to the first position, ensuring that the finger 53 and the insertion hole 411 are accurately connected.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the push block 7 has a pushing slope 71 on the side facing the manual rotating shaft 5, and the front end of the connecting sleeve 52 has a pushing part 54. When the pushing part 54 abuts against the pushing slope 71, the pushing slope 71 is subjected to a radial force along the worm gear 41. As a result, when the manual rotating shaft 5 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and approaches the push block 7, that is, when the manual rotating shaft 5 is switched to the first position, the pushing part 54 abuts against the pushing slope 71, thereby pushing the push block 7 to slide on the worm gear 41 and move away from the axis of the worm gear 41.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the push block 7 is provided with a force-applying end 73 on the side away from the axis of the worm gear 41. The force-applying end 73 is used to contact the tooth tip of the drive worm 21. In this embodiment, the force-applying end 73 has a planar structure, so that the force-applying end 73 makes point contact with the tooth tip of the drive worm 21, avoiding friction between the drive worm 21 and the force-applying end 73 when the drive worm 21 rotates.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the push block 7 is provided with a deformation groove 72 near the force-applying end 73, so that the force-applying end 73 can generate adaptive deformation when subjected to pressure. In this way, during the process of the push block 7 pushing against the drive worm 21, even if the drive worm 21 swings along the universal joint 22, the push block 7 can still make the force-applying end 73 fit more closely to the tooth tip of the drive worm 21 through the adaptive deformation of the force-applying end 73, thus avoiding stress concentration at the contact position between the push block 7 and the drive worm 21.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve actuator with automatic manual mode switching includes multiple push blocks 7, which are arranged in a circular array around the axis of the worm gear 41. The elastic element 75 is a ring structure and is connected to the multiple push blocks 7. The elastic force of the elastic element 75 is used to drive the multiple push blocks 7 to slide close to the axis of the worm gear 41 at the same time.

[0042] It is understood that in some other embodiments not shown in the figures, a push block 7 may also be provided. When only one push block 7 is provided, the push block 7 is a collet structure with a retractable outer diameter, so that the push block 7 can be opposite to the drive worm 21 when the worm gear 41 is rotated to any position.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a limiter 6 is also installed on the housing 1. The contact 61 of the limiter 6 can output a linear motion force. The contact 61 of the limiter 6 is opposite to the end of the drive worm 21 away from the universal joint 22. A switch plate 55 is installed on the manual rotating shaft 5. When the manual rotating shaft 5 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and moves away from the push block 7, that is, when the manual rotating shaft 5 switches to the second position, such as Figure 2 As shown, the switch plate 55 opens the limiter 6, the contact 61 of the limiter 6 extends and pushes the drive worm 21 to swing around the universal joint 22 until the drive worm 21 engages with the worm wheel 41; when the manual rotating shaft 5 slides along the axial direction of the driven worm 4 and approaches the push block 7, that is, when the manual rotating shaft 5 switches to the first position, as Figure 11 As shown, the on / off plate 55 closes the limit switch 6, and the contact 61 of the limit switch 6 is unloaded, allowing the drive worm 21 to be pushed by the push block 7 and swing around the universal joint 22 until the drive worm 21 disengages from the worm wheel 41. Specifically, in this embodiment, the limit switch 6 is an electromagnetic switch, and the on / off plate 55 engages and disengages the limit switch 6 in conjunction with a limit switch. For example, when the manual shaft 5 is switched to the first position, the on / off plate 55 contacts the limit switch and disconnects the limit switch 6; when the manual shaft 5 is switched to the second position, the on / off plate 55 disengages from the limit switch and opens the limit switch 6; or the on / off plate 55 engages and disengages the limit switch 6 in conjunction with a distance sensor.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A valve actuator with automatic hand-to-auto mode switching, characterized by: The utility model provides a hand -automatic switching valve actuator, including shell, install power unit on the shell, rotate and cooperate on the shell output end, rotate and cooperate on the shell driven worm, manual rotation axis and push block, the output end of power unit is connected with drive worm through universal joint, driven worm is perpendicular with drive worm, and driven worm is also perpendicular with output end, install worm wheel one that is engaged with drive worm on driven worm, install worm wheel two that is engaged with driven worm on output end, manual rotation axis is arranged on driven worm along the axial direction of driven worm and slides, push block is arranged on one end surface of worm wheel one along the radial direction of worm wheel one and slides, and push block is provided with elastic element on the side that faces manual rotation axis, and elastic element always exerts the elastic force that urges push block to slide to the axis of worm wheel one, when manual rotation axis slides along the axial direction of driven worm and is close to push block, namely manual rotation axis switches to first position, manual rotation axis pushes push block on worm wheel one and slides away from the axis of worm wheel one, until push block pushes drive worm and swings along universal joint and separates from the engagement of worm wheel one, and manual rotation axis is connected with driven worm, when manual rotation axis slides along the axial direction of driven worm and is away from push block, namely manual rotation axis switches to second position, push block slides on worm wheel one and is close to the axis of worm wheel one under the elastic restoring force of elastic element, so that drive worm loses the push of push block, drive worm swings along universal joint and restores the engagement of worm wheel one, the one end of manual rotation axis is rotatably connected with connecting sleeve close to one end of driven worm, connecting sleeve is slidably fitted on driven worm along the axial direction of driven worm, and connecting sleeve is circumferentially limited between driven worm, the one end of connecting sleeve is eccentricly provided with insertion finger close to worm wheel one, the one end surface of worm wheel one close to connecting sleeve is provided with insertion hole that is opposite and suitable with insertion finger, the side of push block that faces manual rotation axis is provided with push moving inclined surface, the front end of connecting sleeve is provided with push part, the valve actuator of hand -automatic switching includes a plurality of push blocks, a plurality of push blocks are distributed in the circumferential array around the axis of worm wheel one, the elastic element is annular structure, and the elastic element is connected on a plurality of push blocks.

2. The valve actuator of claim 1, wherein: The one end surface of driven worm close to manual rotation axis is provided with pin hole, the pin hole is coaxial with driven worm, and the end surface of manual rotation axis close to driven worm is provided with connecting pin, and the connecting pin is coaxial with manual rotation axis.

3. The valve actuator of claim 1, wherein: The side of push block away from the axis of worm wheel one is provided with force applying end.

4. The valve actuator of claim 3, wherein: The force applying end is flat structure.

5. The valve actuator of claim 3, wherein: The position of push block close to force applying end is provided with deformation groove.

6. The valve actuator of claim 1, wherein: The housing is further provided with limit stopper, the contact of limit stopper can output linear motion force, the contact of limit stopper is opposite to the one end of drive worm away from universal joint, the on-off plate is installed on manual rotation axis, when manual rotation axis slides along the axial direction of driven worm and is away from push block, namely manual rotation axis switches to second position, the on-off plate opens limit stopper, the contact of limit stopper stretches out and pushes drive worm and swings around universal joint to the engagement of drive worm and worm wheel one, when manual rotation axis slides along the axial direction of driven worm and is close to push block, namely manual rotation axis switches to first position, the on-off plate closes limit stopper, and the contact of limit stopper is idle.

7. The valve actuator of claim 6, wherein: The position limiter is an electromagnetic switch, and the on-off plate is connected with the position limiter through the cooperation with the travel switch.

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