Electric actuator with dual position feedback function

Abstract

An electric actuator with a dual position feedback function comprises a shell provided with a first cavity and a second cavity; the motor is arranged in the first cavity; the transmission reducing mechanism is arranged in the second cavity, the input end of the transmission reducing mechanism is in transmission connection fit with the motor, and the output end is provided with an output shaft; the position feedback component is arranged on the transmission speed reducing mechanism; the contact switch is in communication connection with the motor; the photoelectric positioning mechanism is provided with a photoelectric detection area; a movement path is formed according to the movement track of the position feedback component, one contact switch is distributed at the initial position of the movement path, the other contact switch is distributed at the final position of the movement path, and the photoelectric detection area is distributed between the initial position and the final position of the movement path. The structure integration and the space utilization rate are higher, one position feedback component acts on the photoelectric positioning mechanism and the contact switch at the same time, and the double positioning function is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of actuators, and in particular to an electric actuator with dual position feedback function. Background Technology

[0002] Flow measurement instruments, such as water meters, electricity meters, and gas meters, are indispensable equipment in daily life and production. Taking water meters as an example, traditional water meters consist of a meter casing and a metering mechanism inside the casing. This metering mechanism is basically a mechanical digital disc that records the measurement value. Smart meters combine actuators with traditional instruments to achieve intelligent control of the meter's on / off function. An actuator is a combination of an actuator mechanism and a control valve in an automatic control system. Its role in the automatic control system is to receive signals from the regulator and, based on its position and characteristics in the process pipeline, adjust the flow rate of the process medium, thereby controlling the controlled variable within the range required by the production process. Smart water meters typically also include an actuator, which is used to control the meter's opening or closing. That is, when the metering signal recorded on the control circuit displayed on the server or operator's mobile device reaches a threshold, the actuator can be driven to perform the closing or opening action. Therefore, current smart water meters basically consist of three major components: a data acquisition unit, a PCB circuit board, and an actuator.

[0003] An electric actuator is a drive device that provides linear or rotary motion. It utilizes some kind of driving energy and operates under the action of a control signal. The actuator uses liquid, gas, electricity, or other energy sources and converts them into driving force through a motor, cylinder, or other device. Existing electric actuator positioning methods mainly include reed positioning and microswitch positioning, which mostly only achieve simple on / off positioning control and cannot meet the needs of the current market. For example, when connecting an electric actuator to a water meter, it is necessary to adjust the water flow rate; however, the above positioning methods can only achieve on / off functions and cannot achieve intelligent adjustment functions.

[0004] A prior art example, referring to patent document CN215806651U, discloses an actuator with an external photoelectric positioning device, including a housing, an actuator main body component, and a photoelectric positioning device. The interior of the housing is divided into a first mounting area and a second mounting area. The actuator main body component is located in the first mounting area, and the photoelectric positioning device is located in the second mounting area, with the photoelectric positioning device being drively connected to the actuator main body component. This invention rationally divides the internal space of the housing, forming the first and second mounting areas. It abandons the original positioning gear structure, placing the complete actuator main body component in the first mounting area and the photoelectric positioning device in the second mounting area. The division between the two is clearer, and the installation and connection relationship is simpler and more reliable. Furthermore, the combination of a photoelectric encoder and a photoelectric sensor replaces the function of the positioning gear, reducing requirements for size and installation, and providing higher detection accuracy during use. The product solution shown in the example has some shortcomings in practical applications, such as: 1. Its photoelectric positioning device is a completely external structure, so the photoelectric encoder needs to be customized, increasing the manufacturing cost; 2. The photoelectric positioning device is installed in an independent position (completely separate from the contact switch part), so it occupies more internal space, resulting in an increase in the overall size of the housing, making the actuator unsuitable for small space scenarios; 3. The internal wiring is more complex; 4. The photoelectric encoder adopts a gear-like shape, so the photoelectric encoder meshes with the gear transmission device, but the photoelectric encoder also exerts a force on the gear transmission device, causing the gear transmission device to not operate as smoothly as before, and also increasing the probability of malfunctions such as jamming and blockage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an electric actuator with dual position feedback function.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model to solve its technical problem is: an electric actuator with dual position feedback function, comprising:

[0007] The shell has several skeleton plates inside, which divide the interior of the shell into a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0008] The motor is located in the first chamber;

[0009] A transmission reduction mechanism is disposed in the second chamber, and the input end of the transmission reduction mechanism is connected to the motor for transmission, and the output end of the transmission reduction mechanism is provided with an output shaft;

[0010] The position feedback component is mounted on the transmission reduction mechanism and can move together with the transmission reduction mechanism;

[0011] The contact switch has at least two components, all of which are disposed in the first chamber, and the contact switch is in communication connection with the motor.

[0012] The photoelectric positioning mechanism is located in the first chamber and has a photoelectric detection area;

[0013] An active path is formed based on the motion trajectory of the position feedback component, wherein one contact switch is distributed at the starting position of the active path, another contact switch is distributed at the ending position of the active path, and the photoelectric detection area is distributed between the starting and ending positions of the active path.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the position feedback component is that the position feedback component has a first feedback section and a second feedback section, the first feedback section is in contact with the contact switch, and the second feedback section can pass through the photoelectric detection area.

[0015] Furthermore, the first feedback section is arranged vertically, and the second feedback section is arranged horizontally.

[0016] A preferred embodiment of the photoelectric positioning mechanism is that the photoelectric positioning mechanism includes a photoelectric positioning circuit board, a photoelectric sensor, and a wiring harness interface. The photoelectric sensor and the wiring harness interface are both integrated and mounted on the photoelectric positioning circuit board. The photoelectric sensor has a transmitting end and a receiving end, and the photoelectric detection area is formed between the transmitting end and the receiving end.

[0017] Optionally, the upper end face of the housing is provided with a first opening, the wire harness interface is at least partially installed at the first opening, and the periphery of the first opening protrudes upward to form a first protective wall, the first protective wall circumferentially forming a first filling area.

[0018] Optionally, the upper end face of the housing is provided with a second opening, the second opening is located on the side of the motor, and the periphery of the second opening protrudes upward to form a second protective wall, the second protective wall circumferentially forming a second filling area.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the transmission reduction mechanism is that the transmission reduction mechanism is a gear reduction mechanism, the gear reduction mechanism has an output gear that rotates at the same speed as the output shaft, and the position feedback component is fixed on the output gear.

[0020] Optionally, a limiting clamp is provided in the first chamber, the limiting clamp having a limiting groove, and the photoelectric positioning circuit board is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the housing structure is that the housing includes a bottom box and a cover plate, the lower end of the cover plate has a mounting post, the mounting post is connected to a contact switch, so that the contact switch is mounted upside down on the cover plate.

[0022] Furthermore, the lower end of the cover plate also has a limiting rib, which abuts against the outer wall of the contact switch.

[0023] This invention also includes a circuit board control element, which is connected to the motor, contact switch and photoelectric positioning mechanism for control.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] First, it achieves a more rational structural layout of the contact switch, position feedback component and photoelectric positioning mechanism, with higher structural integration and space utilization, which helps to reduce the overall product size and facilitates the installation and use of the actuator in a smaller space.

[0026] Second, a single position feedback component can simultaneously act on the photoelectric positioning mechanism and the contact switch, achieving dual positioning functions, with fewer parts and a simpler structure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a side view of the bottom box and the outer shell after they have been separated.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first chamber.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the position feedback component in its initial position.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the position feedback component when it is in the photoelectric detection area.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the position feedback component when it is at the endpoint position.

[0034] Figure 8 It is an assembly diagram of the output gear, position feedback component and output shaft.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the photoelectric positioning mechanism.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the contact switch and the cover plate.

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 1a. First chamber; 1b. Second chamber; 11. Base box; 12. Cover plate; 121. Mounting post; 122. Limiting rib; 13. First opening; 131. First protective wall; 132. First filling area; 14. Second opening; 141. Second protective wall; 142. Second filling area; 15. Limiting clamp; 151. Limiting groove; 2. Frame plate; 21. Clearance groove; 3. Motor; 4. Gear reduction mechanism; 41. Output gear; 5. Output shaft; 6. Position feedback component; 61. Activity path; 61a. Starting position; 61b. Ending position; 62. First feedback section; 63. Second feedback section; 7. Contact switch; 8. Photoelectric positioning mechanism; 8a. Photoelectric detection area; 81. Photoelectric positioning circuit board; 82. Photoelectric sensor; 821. Transmitter; 822. Receiver; 83. Wiring harness interface. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments are merely specific descriptions of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, and should not be regarded as limitations on the present invention.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 this utility model.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Reference Figures 1-10An electric actuator with dual position feedback function includes: a housing 1, which has several skeleton plates 2 inside, dividing the interior of the housing 1 into a first chamber 1a and a second chamber 1b; specifically, the space provided by the first chamber 1a is mainly used to house electrical components; the space provided by the second chamber 1b is mainly used to house mechanical transmission components; the first chamber 1a and the second chamber 1b provide spatial isolation, playing a certain role in waterproofing and dustproofing, so as to provide a relatively dry and clean space for the first chamber 1a, making the operation of the electrical components more stable and reliable. A motor 3 is set in the first chamber 1a to provide driving force; a transmission reduction mechanism is set in the second chamber 1b, and the input end of the transmission reduction mechanism is connected to the motor 3 for transmission, and the output end of the transmission reduction mechanism is provided with an output shaft 5, which is used to connect to the switch valve stem on the instrument; a position feedback component 6 is set on the transmission reduction mechanism and can move with the transmission reduction mechanism, that is, according to the real-time operation, the position feedback component 6 will move to the appropriate position point accordingly. At least two contact switches 7 are provided, each disposed in the first chamber 1a. These contact switches 7 are communicatively connected to the motor 3. One contact switch 7 corresponds to the starting point of the output shaft 5's movement (the valve stem is fully closed), and the other contact switch 7 corresponds to the ending point of the output shaft 5's movement (the valve stem is fully open). Of course, more contact switches 7 can be provided to correspond to more points of movement of the output shaft 5; this is not specifically limited here. A photoelectric positioning mechanism 8 is disposed in the first chamber 1a and has a photoelectric detection area 8a.

[0043] It is particularly important to emphasize that, unlike existing technologies, in this application, an active path 61 (preferably arc-shaped, with a clearance groove 21 on the frame plate 2 adapted to the active path 61) is formed according to the movement trajectory of the position feedback component 6. One contact switch 7 is located at the starting position 61a of the active path 61, and another contact switch 7 is located at the ending position 61b of the active path 61. The photoelectric detection area 8a is located between the starting position 61a and the ending position 61b of the active path 61. By adopting these features, a more rational structural layout is achieved for the contact switch 7, the position feedback component 6, and the photoelectric positioning mechanism 8. Firstly, the structure is more integrated and space utilization is higher, which helps to reduce the overall product size and facilitates the installation and use of the actuator in a smaller space. Secondly, one position feedback component 6 can simultaneously act on the photoelectric positioning mechanism 8 and the contact switch 7, achieving a dual positioning function, with fewer parts and a simpler structure.

[0044] For an example of the use of this utility model, please refer to... Figures 5-7When the position feedback component 6 contacts one of the contact switches 7, it corresponds to the starting point of the output shaft 5's movement (the valve stem is fully closed); the motor 3 is started. When the position feedback component 6 contacts the other contact switch 7, it corresponds to the ending point of the output shaft 5's movement (the valve stem is fully open). Therefore, when the position feedback component 6 contacts either the starting point or the ending point of the output shaft 5, it provides position information and stops the motor 3 from continuing to operate, preventing damage to various components due to excessive rotation. On the other hand, during the movement of the position feedback component 6 along the activity path 61 (beyond the starting position 61a and the ending position 61b), it can pass through the photoelectric detection area 8a, thereby receiving real-time position information from the photoelectric positioning mechanism 8. This allows the analysis of the real-time position information of the output shaft 5, and subsequently, a stop signal can be sent to the motor 3, realizing the function of partially opening the valve stem.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that both the contact switch 7 and the photoelectric positioning mechanism 8 can perform position detection and feedback functions, so their positions can be interchanged without special limitation. Furthermore, more contact switches 7 and / or photoelectric positioning mechanisms 8 can be set near the movement trajectory of the position feedback component 6, thereby realizing more real-time position detection and feedback functions for the position feedback component 6, and thus enabling the valve stem to open at more angles (e.g., 15°, 30°, 60°, 80°, etc.), meeting more diverse actuator usage needs.

[0046] It is worth mentioning that the preferred structural embodiment of the position feedback component 6 is as follows: Refer to Figure 8 The position feedback component 6 has a first feedback section 62 and a second feedback section 63. The first feedback section 62 forms a contactable engagement with the contact switch 7, and the second feedback section 63 can pass through the photoelectric detection area 8a. More specifically, the first feedback section 62 is arranged vertically, and the second feedback section 63 is arranged horizontally. This ensures that the first feedback section 62 and the second feedback section 63 move synchronously without interfering with each other; that is, the second feedback section 63 will not affect the contact switch 7, and the first feedback section 62 will not pass through the photoelectric detection area 8a, thus making the detection results more realistic and accurate. It should be noted that the first feedback section 62 and the second feedback section 63 can be integrally formed components or components formed separately and then assembled together.

[0047] It should be noted that a circuit board control element (not shown in the figure) is also included. This circuit board control element forms control connections with the motor 3, the contact switch 7, and the photoelectric positioning mechanism 8, respectively. The circuit board control element can be located in the first chamber 1a, outside the housing 1, or the control function can be integrated into the photoelectric positioning circuit board 81. The specific method chosen is not specifically limited here and can be customized according to customer needs.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Based on the structure of Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a preferred structural scheme for the photoelectric positioning mechanism 8, specifically as follows: (Refer to...) Figure 2 , Figure 9 The photoelectric positioning mechanism 8 includes a photoelectric positioning circuit board 81, a photoelectric sensor 82, and a wiring harness interface 83. The photoelectric sensor 82 has a transmitting end 821 and a receiving end 822, forming the photoelectric detection area 8a between the transmitting end 821 and the receiving end 822. Both the photoelectric sensor 82 and the wiring harness interface 83 are integrated and mounted on the photoelectric positioning circuit board 81, eliminating the need for external cables. This centralized component distribution results in a high degree of integration, a small footprint, and higher operational stability for the photoelectric positioning mechanism 8. Furthermore, the wiring harness interface 83 is a modular interface, enabling detachable connections. This facilitates the insertion and maintenance of external cables, ensuring standardized and uniform wiring, eliminating the clutter of multiple cables, and providing a cleaner and more streamlined design. It also accommodates various external electromechanical components, meeting the needs of different customers.

[0050] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 The upper surface of the housing 1 has a first opening 13. The wire harness interface 83 is at least partially installed at the first opening 13, and the periphery of the first opening 13 protrudes upward to form a first protective wall 131. The first protective wall 131 surrounds a first filling area 132. On the other hand, the upper surface of the housing 1 has a second opening 14, which is located beside the motor 3. The required cable can be connected to the motor 3 in the first chamber 1a from the outside of the housing 1 through the second opening 14. The periphery of the second opening 14 protrudes upward to form a second protective wall 141, and the second protective wall 141 surrounds a second filling area 142. After the wiring is completed, the first filling area 132 and the second filling area 142 can be filled with sealant, thereby sealing the first opening 13 and the second opening 14, isolating the first chamber 1a from the outside, and achieving a good sealing and waterproof effect for the first chamber 1a.

[0051] Example 3

[0052] In this embodiment, a preferred composition scheme is provided for the transmission reduction mechanism, specifically as follows:

[0053] Reference Figures 2-3 , Figure 8 The transmission reduction mechanism is a gear reduction mechanism 4, which has an output gear 41 that rotates at the same speed as the output shaft 5. The position feedback component 6 is fixed on the output gear 41. Thus, the output gear 41, the output shaft 5, and the position feedback component 6 have the same rotational angular velocity and rotational angle, thereby providing accurate position detection and feedback functions.

[0054] Optionally, refer to Figure 9 The first chamber 1a is provided with a limiting clamp 15, which has a limiting groove 151. The photoelectric positioning circuit board 81 is inserted into the limiting groove 151 to provide effective support for the photoelectric positioning circuit board 81, so that it has a more stable installation position, can withstand a certain impact force, and ensures normal and reliable use for a long time.

[0055] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 10 The housing 1 preferably includes a base box 11 and a cover plate 12. The lower end of the cover plate 12 has a mounting post 121, which is connected to the contact switch 7 so that the contact switch 7 is mounted upside down on the cover plate 12. Furthermore, the lower end of the cover plate 12 also has a limiting rib 122, which abuts against the outer wall of the contact switch 7 to provide rapid positioning and a good limiting effect for the contact switch 7. The synergistic effect of the mounting post 121 and the limiting rib 122 makes the connection between the contact switch 7 and the cover plate 12 more stable.

[0056] It is worth noting that the other technical solutions of this utility model are all existing technologies, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electric actuator with dual position feedback function, comprising: The shell (1) has a plurality of skeleton plates (2) inside, which divide the interior of the shell (1) into a first chamber (1a) and a second chamber (1b); The motor (3) is located in the first chamber (1a); The transmission reduction mechanism is located in the second chamber (1b), and the input end of the transmission reduction mechanism is connected to the motor (3) for transmission. The output end of the transmission reduction mechanism is provided with an output shaft (5). The position feedback component (6) is mounted on the transmission reduction mechanism and can move together with the transmission reduction mechanism; At least two contact switches (7) are provided, all of which are located in the first chamber (1a). The contact switches (7) are connected in communication with the motor (3). A photoelectric positioning mechanism (8) is disposed in the first chamber (1a), and the photoelectric positioning mechanism (8) has a photoelectric detection area (8a); Its features are: An active path (61) is formed according to the motion trajectory of the position feedback component (6), wherein one contact switch (7) is distributed at the starting position (61a) of the active path (61), another contact switch (7) is distributed at the ending position (61b) of the active path (61), and a photoelectric detection area (8a) is distributed between the starting position (61a) and the ending position (61b) of the active path (61).

2. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position feedback component (6) has a first feedback section (62) and a second feedback section (63). The first feedback section (62) is in contact with the contact switch (7), and the second feedback section (63) can pass through the photoelectric detection area (8a).

3. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first feedback section (62) is arranged vertically, and the second feedback section (63) is arranged horizontally.

4. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photoelectric positioning mechanism (8) includes a photoelectric positioning circuit board (81), a photoelectric sensor (82), and a wire harness interface (83). The photoelectric sensor (82) and the wire harness interface (83) are both integrated on the photoelectric positioning circuit board (81). The photoelectric sensor (82) has a transmitting end (821) and a receiving end (822). The photoelectric detection area (8a) is formed between the transmitting end (821) and the receiving end (822).

5. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper end face of the housing (1) is provided with a first opening (13), the wire harness interface (83) is at least partially installed at the first opening (13), and the periphery of the first opening (13) protrudes upward to form a first protective wall (131), and the first protective wall (131) surrounds the first filling area (132).

6. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper end face of the housing (1) is provided with a second opening (14), the second opening (14) is located on the side of the motor (3), and the periphery of the second opening (14) protrudes upward to form a second protective wall (141), the second protective wall (141) surrounds the second filling area (142). The transmission reduction mechanism is a gear reduction mechanism (4), which has an output gear (41) with the same rotational speed as the output shaft (5). The position feedback component (6) is fixed on the output gear (41).

7. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first chamber (1a) is provided with a limiting clamp (15), the limiting clamp (15) has a limiting clamp groove (151), and the photoelectric positioning circuit board (81) is inserted into the limiting clamp groove (151).

8. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a bottom box (11) and a cover plate (12). The lower end of the cover plate (12) has a mounting post (121) which is connected to a contact switch (7) so that the contact switch (7) is mounted upside down on the cover plate (12).

9. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower end of the cover plate (12) also has a limiting rib (122), which abuts against the outer wall of the contact switch (7).

10. The electric actuator with dual position feedback function according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: It also includes a circuit board control element, which is connected to the motor (3), the contact switch (7) and the photoelectric positioning mechanism (8) respectively.

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