Actuator indicator and actuator

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator indicator (10) for an actuator of automation technology, comprising: an actuator indicator comprising an indicator gear mechanism (11) and an indicator unit (12), by means of which the actuator indicator is configured to indicate an operating position of an output of the actuator, wherein the actuator indicator is designed to be usable in a potentially explosive environment, the actuator indicator having an indicator housing (13) with a non-impact-resistant viewing window (13.1) for checking the operating position of the output, and the indicator gear mechanism having a power limiting device for limiting the operating position of the output. The power limiting device is configured to limit mechanical power which can be transmitted to the indicator gear mechanism through mechanical friction in the indicator gear mechanism to be within a limiting value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an actuator indicator and actuator for automation technology. Background Technology

[0002] Actuators can be used for process automation, etc., and examples can be found in DE102004048366B4. Actuators typically come with actuator indicators to indicate the operating position of the actuator.

[0003] In potentially explosive atmospheres, actuators and indicators must meet higher requirements for safe use. For example, dust must not enter the indicator gear mechanism, as this can damage it. When the actuator is operating, increased friction within the indicator gear mechanism can lead to excessively high temperatures, which could potentially ignite flammable gases.

[0004] Typically, impact-resistant viewing windows are used according to the standard EN IEC 60079-0:2018 to ensure that the viewing window will not break. However, such viewing windows are heavy and expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuator indicator and actuator that meet the safety requirements of, for example, standard EN IEC 60079-0:2018, even without an impact-resistant viewing window.

[0006] The objective is achieved by the actuator indicator according to independent claim 1 and the actuator according to independent claim 7.

[0007] An actuator indicator for an actuator in process automation technology according to the present invention comprises:

[0008] An indicator gear mechanism, comprising multiple toothed components such as gears, worms or lead screws and nuts, and associated support elements such as shafts, shafts or lead screws;

[0009] And an indicator unit, wherein the actuator indicator is configured via the indicator unit to indicate the operating position of the actuator's output.

[0010] The actuator indicator is configured to be used in potentially explosive environments.

[0011] The actuator indicator has an indicator housing with an observation window for checking the operating position of the output terminal.

[0012] The indicator gear mechanism includes a power limiting device configured to limit the mechanical power transmitted to the indicator gear mechanism through mechanical friction within the mechanism to a limit value.

[0013] The power limiting device includes a predetermined breakpoint designed to fail when the ultimate torque is reached.

[0014] By limiting the mechanical power that can be converted in the indicator gear mechanism, the shock-resistant viewing window of the actuator indicator can be eliminated. If dust or dirt enters through a defective viewing window, limiting the power converted in the indicator gear mechanism may prevent the temperature from reaching the temperature required for ignition in a flammable environment. Therefore, a decrease in the efficiency of the indicator gear mechanism due to contamination will only result in a moderate increase in temperature during valve operation. Shock resistance is defined here by the ENIEC 60079-0 standard of 2018.

[0015] In one embodiment, the power limiting device is designed to limit the temperature rise caused by mechanical power in the indicator gear mechanism.

[0016] In this way, even if the observation window breaks, the temperature rise can be ensured to not reach or exceed the ignition threshold of the gas mixture around the actuator, starting from the highest ambient temperature in the actuator area.

[0017] In one embodiment, the temperature rise is limited to a maximum of 40 Kelvin, and more particularly, a maximum of 35 Kelvin.

[0018] This allows for maintaining a safe distance from the ignition temperature of the gas mixture surrounding the actuator under typical operating conditions.

[0019] In one embodiment, the indicating mechanism has multiple toothed components, such as gears, worm gears, or nuts, and associated support elements, such as shafts, axles, or lead screws.

[0020] The support element of the indicator gear mechanism is designed to fail when the limit torque is reached.

[0021] and / or

[0022] The support element of the indicator gear mechanism is designed as a multi-part structure. Two adjacent parts of the support element are rotatably fixed by shear bolts, which are designed to fail under a limiting torque. Alternatively, two adjacent parts of the support element are rotatably fixed by a form-locking connection, which is also designed to fail under a limiting torque.

[0023] and / or

[0024] In this embodiment, at least one toothed component of the indicator gear mechanism is configured to fail under a limiting torque.

[0025] and / or

[0026] The rotational shape-locking connection between the support element and the toothed component is designed to fail under extreme torque.

[0027] For example, predetermined breakpoints can be achieved using the types and methods described above.

[0028] In one embodiment, the indicator gear mechanism is disposed in the indicator housing.

[0029] This approach allows for a compact design of the actuator indicator.

[0030] In one embodiment, the toothed component and the support element each have heat capacity and thermal conductivity, wherein the standard operation of the output end has an operating duration and generates an operating speed in the indicator gear mechanism;

[0031] The toothed components and support elements are configured to limit the temperature rise due to mechanical friction by means of heat capacity and thermal conductivity when a limiting torque is applied in the indicator gear mechanism during standard operation.

[0032] By matching the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of each component in the indicator gear mechanism, the temperature rise generated when applying the ultimate torque or ultimate power under standard conditions can be limited.

[0033] For this purpose, those skilled in the art can rely on experiments, simulations, or analytical calculations, for example.

[0034] The actuator according to the present invention includes:

[0035] The output end of a fitting used for operating, for example, a valve;

[0036] An electric motor, configured to drive the output terminal;

[0037] Electrical operating circuits for operating electric motors;

[0038] An actuator gear mechanism is constructed to transmit and convert the force or torque of an electric motor to its output.

[0039] The actuator has an actuator indicator according to the invention.

[0040] The actuator indicator is configured to be connected to the actuator gear mechanism or its output end via an indicator gear mechanism, wherein the indicator gear mechanism is configured to convert the motion of the actuator gear mechanism or its output end into the positioning of the indicating element of the indicating unit.

[0041] The actuator is configured to be used in potentially explosive environments.

[0042] In one embodiment, the actuator has an actuator housing with an actuator housing chamber.

[0043] The actuator gear mechanism, the motor, the electrical operating circuit, and the output terminal are all housed within the housing.

[0044] The indicator housing and the actuator housing are flush and closed, especially in a dustproof manner.

[0045] This prevents dust from entering the actuator and actuator indicator.

[0046] The components according to the invention include an actuator according to the invention and accessories such as valves.

[0047] This accessory is configured to be operated by an actuator and control the flow of medium through pipes or channels. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The present invention will now be described using exemplary embodiments.

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the actuator indicator is shown;

[0050] Figure 2 The indicator gear mechanism is shown;

[0051] Figure 3a ), Figure 3b )and Figure 3c A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power limiting device for an indicator gear mechanism according to the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an example actuator according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic structure of an exemplary actuator indicator 10 is shown, comprising an indicator housing 13 with an observation window 13.1, an indicator unit, and an indicator gear mechanism 11. The actuator indicator is configured for mechanical connection with the actuator gear mechanism 50 or output end 20 of an actuator 1 in an automation system, to convert the movement of the actuator gear mechanism or output end into an operating position of a valve element, or to indicate that operating position. This indication is achieved through an indicator unit 12. The indicator unit can be a mechanical or electronic indicator unit. Here, for example, as shown, the indicator element 12.1 (e.g., a pointer) can point to a value on an indicator scale 12.2, which represents the operating range of the valve or the operating range of the actuator's output end.

[0054] For example, if the observation window is damaged, dirt or dust from the environment may seep into the indicator housing 13 and accumulate on the indicator gear mechanism 11, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of the indicator gear mechanism. During the operation of the valve by the actuator, this decrease in efficiency can cause a localized increase in temperature in the area of ​​the indicator gear mechanism.

[0055] In order for this indicator gear mechanism to be used in potentially explosive environments, it must be ensured, in accordance with EN IEC 60079-0 standard 2018, that temperatures sufficient to ignite the gas mixture surrounding the actuator indicator are not generated under any practical conditions. Specifically, the actuator conforms to one of the temperature classes T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, or T6 listed in the standard.

[0056] In existing technology, observation windows are typically made of impact-resistant glass. However, this type of glass is heavy, inconvenient to operate, and expensive.

[0057] Figure 2 An exemplary indicator gear mechanism 11 of the actuator indicator 10 is schematically depicted. This indicator gear mechanism 11 includes a toothed component 11.2, such as a gear (teeth not shown here for illustration), but the toothed component could also be a worm gear or a lead screw nut, etc. The toothed component is connected to a support element 11.3 by form-locking, force-locking, or material-locking means. The support element 11.3 is, for example, a shaft, a rod, or a lead screw, here a shaft, and serves to support the toothed component.

[0058] The indicator gear mechanism is configured to connect to the actuator gear mechanism 50 or output terminal 20 of the actuator 1. When the actuator operates the valve, the mechanical power loss generated by the indicator gear mechanism 11 increases as the efficiency of the indicator gear mechanism decreases, given a given actuator power. For example, if the gear mechanism is contaminated, increasing friction, the mechanical power loss of the indicator gear mechanism will increase compared to the power supplied by the actuator.

[0059] This can cause the temperature in the indicator gear mechanism area to rise. By using a sufficiently robust but more expensive and inconvenient viewing window, the possibility of the viewing window breaking and dust or dirt entering the gear mechanism can be eliminated.

[0060] Figure 3a )to Figure 3c An embodiment of the indicator gear mechanism according to the invention is schematically depicted, wherein a power limiting device is provided to provide a temperature rise limit, thereby eliminating the need for an impact-resistant viewing window 13.1, wherein the power limiting device 11.1 is configured to release the mechanical connection in the indicator gear mechanism when the power limit value is reached, thereby interrupting the power flow.

[0061] Specifically, the power limiting device is designed to limit the temperature rise generated in the indicator gear mechanism to a maximum of 40 Kelvin, or more specifically, a maximum of 35 Kelvin.

[0062] According to the present invention, the indicator gear mechanism has a power limiting device 11.1, which is designed as a torque limiting device, wherein the power limiting device includes a predetermined break point designed to fail when a limit torque is reached. By limiting the power that may be consumed in the indicator gear mechanism, the temperature rise in the indicator gear mechanism caused by mechanical friction can be limited. For example, as Figure 3a The power limiting device shown can be implemented by providing a tapering portion 11.31 on the support element of the indicator gear mechanism. This tapering portion acts as a predetermined stop once the torque limit is exceeded. Since the motor in the actuator typically operates at the target speed, the power limit is associated with the torque limit.

[0063] Or, such as Figure 3b As shown, a power limiting device can also be designed using shear bolts 11.4, which secure two adjacent portions of support element 11.32 together.

[0064] Alternatively, one of the teeth in the toothed component can be designed to fail under extreme torque.

[0065] Or, such as Figure 3c As shown, the rotational form-locking connection 11.7 between the support element 11.3 and the tooth portion 11.2 can be designed to fail under limiting torque. The form-locking connection is designed to transmit force or torque between the tooth component and the support element. The tooth component has a central, axially extending opening 11.21 through which the support element passes. As shown, for example, the form-locking connection can be achieved through a polygonal design of the opening 11.21 and the support element in the opening region. Other geometries can also be configured as long as form locking is guaranteed. For example, the tooth component can be designed to fail, i.e., to release the form locking. For example, the support element can be designed to fail, i.e., to release the form locking.

[0066] The toothed component 11.2 and the support element 11.3 each possess heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Standard operation of the output terminal 20 has a typical operating duration and generates a typical operating speed in the indicator gear mechanism. In one embodiment, the toothed component and the support element are designed to limit the temperature rise caused by mechanical friction during standard operation through their heat capacity and thermal conductivity when a limiting torque is applied in the indicator gear mechanism. The heat capacity of the toothed component and the support element acts as a thermal buffer, and the thermal conductivity acts as a heat dissipation agent.

[0067] In one embodiment, by matching the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the components in the indicator gear mechanism, the temperature rise generated when applying the ultimate torque or ultimate power under standard conditions can be limited to a limit value.

[0068] For example, those skilled in the art can use experiments, simulations, or analytical calculations to determine the appropriate heat capacity and thermal conductivity of tooth components and support elements.

[0069] Figure 4 An exemplary actuator 1 is schematically depicted, with its actuator indicator 10 closed flush with the actuator housing 60, and particularly with a dustproof closure. This prevents dust or dirt from entering the actuator housing chamber 61 of the actuator housing and the indicator housing 13 of the actuator indicator 10. As shown, the indicator gear mechanism is mechanically connected to the actuator gear mechanism 50 here, but the indicator gear mechanism can also be connected to the output end 20. Through mechanical connection with the actuator gear mechanism 50 or the output end 20, the actuator indicator can indicate the operating position and its changes.

[0070] When combined into corresponding components, the operating position of the output end corresponds to the operating position of the valve element to be operated by the actuator.

[0071] List of reference numerals

[0072] 1. Actuator

[0073] 10 Actuator Indicator

[0074] 11. Indicator Gear Mechanism

[0075] 11.1 Power limiting device

[0076] 11.11 Torque Limiting Device

[0077] 11.12 Clutch

[0078] 11.13 Slippery Clutch

[0079] 11.2 Gear Components

[0080] 11.21 Opening

[0081] 11.3 Supporting elements

[0082] 11.31 Variable Detail

[0083] 11.32 Support element section

[0084] 11.4 Shearing Bolts

[0085] 11.5 Input end of the indicator gear mechanism

[0086] 11.6 Output end of indicator gear mechanism

[0087] 11.7 Shape-locking connection

[0088] 12 Indicator Units

[0089] 12.1 Indicating element

[0090] 12.2 Indicator Scale

[0091] 13 Indicator housing

[0092] 13.1 Observation Window

[0093] 20 Output terminal

[0094] 30 Electric Motors

[0095] 40 Electrical operating circuit

[0096] 50 Actuator Gear Mechanism

[0097] 60 Actuator Housing

[0098] 61 Actuator housing chamber

Claims

1. An actuator indicator (10) for an actuator (1) in an automation technology, comprising: The indicator gear mechanism (11) includes multiple toothed components (11.2), such as gears, worms or lead screws and nuts, and associated support elements (11.3), such as shafts, shafts or lead screws; and an indicator unit (12), wherein the actuator indicator is configured via the indicator unit to indicate the operating position of the output end (20) of the actuator. The actuator indicator is configured to be used in potentially explosive environments. Its features are, The actuator indicator has an indicator housing (13) with an observation window (13.1) for checking the operating position of the output terminal. The indicator gear mechanism includes a power limiting device (11.1) configured to limit the mechanical power that can be transmitted to the indicator gear mechanism through mechanical friction within the mechanism to a limited value. The power limiting device includes a predetermined breakpoint designed to fail when the ultimate torque is reached.

2. The actuator indicator according to claim 1, in, The power limiting device (11.1) is configured as follows: Limit the temperature rise caused by mechanical power in the indicator gear mechanism (11).

3. The actuator indicator according to claim 2, in, The temperature rise is limited to 40 Kelvin, and especially to 35 Kelvin.

4. The actuator indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The support element (11.3) of the indicator gear mechanism has a tapering portion (11.31) configured to fail under limiting torque. and / or The support element of the indicator gear mechanism is constructed in multiple parts. Two adjacent parts (11.32) of the support element are rotatably fixed by shear bolts, wherein the shear bolts (11.4) are designed to fail under a limiting torque. Alternatively, the two adjacent parts (11.32) of the support element are rotatably fixed by a form-locking connection, wherein the form-locking connection is designed to fail under a limiting torque. and / or In this embodiment, at least one toothed component (11.2) of the indicator gear mechanism (11) is designed to fail under extreme torque. and / or The rotational shape-locking connection (11.7) between the support element (11.3) and the toothed component (11.2) is configured to fail under extreme torque.

5. The actuator indicator according to claim 4, in, The toothed component (11.2) and the support element (11.3) each have heat capacity and thermal conductivity. The standard operation of the output terminal (20) has an operation duration and generates an operating speed in the indicator gear mechanism. The toothed component and the support element are configured such that, during standard operation, when a limiting torque is applied in the indicator gear mechanism, the temperature rise due to mechanical friction is limited to a limit value by means of heat capacity and thermal conductivity.

6. The actuator indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The indicator gear mechanism (11) is disposed in the indicator housing (13).

7. An actuator (1) for automation technology, comprising: Output end (20) of fittings for operating, for example, valves; An electric motor (30) is configured as a drive output terminal; Electrical operating circuit (40) for operating the electric motor; An actuator gear mechanism (50) is configured to transmit and convert the force or torque of the electric motor to the output. Its features are, The actuator (1) has an actuator indicator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The actuator indicator is connected to the actuator gear mechanism (50) or the output end (20) via an indicator gear mechanism (11), wherein the indicator gear mechanism is configured to convert the motion of the actuator gear mechanism or the output end into the positioning of the indicator element of the indicator unit. The actuator is configured to be used in potentially explosive environments.

8. The actuator according to claim 7, in, The actuator (1) has an actuator housing (60) having at least one actuator housing chamber (61). The actuator gear mechanism (50), the motor (30), the electrical operating circuit (40), and the output terminal (20) are disposed in the housing chamber. The indicator housing (13) is flush with the actuator housing (60) and closes, especially the dustproof closure.

9. The actuator according to claim 7 or 8, in, The actuator indicator adopts a modular or replaceable design.

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