Pneumatic actuator

Abstract

The utility model discloses pneumatic actuator, including the actuator body, still including the screw rod, the left and right sides of actuator body all are equipped with the apron, and the upper portion of two aprons all is fixed with the support, and the screw rod is all screw -threaded connection on two supports, and one end of screw rod is equipped with the bearing, and the bearing is equipped with the sealing disc, and the sealing disc is compatible with apron, and the spring baffle is fixed on the sealing disc, and the other end of screw rod is equipped with the rotation subassembly, and the positioning mechanism is arranged on the sealing disc, and the front and back of apron all are provided with the locking mechanism, the utility model discloses through setting up the screw rod structure drive spring baffle in the flexible movement in cylinder body, need not to dismantle apron to realize the quick switching of double -effect and single -effect mode, has improved the operation efficiency significantly, compared with the mode of traditional actuator need to dismount the adjustment, this scheme is more convenient, has reduced the downtime maintenance time, and mode switching process does not need additional tools or complex steps, has strengthened the practicality and adaptability of equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas valve technology, and in particular to pneumatic actuators. Background Technology

[0002] A gas valve pneumatic actuator is an automated device driven by compressed air. It controls the opening, closing, or regulation of the valve through air pressure to achieve precise management of gas flow. Its core consists of a cylinder, piston, spring, and control components. It features fast response, strong explosion-proof performance, and easy maintenance. It is widely used in gas pipelines, industrial equipment, and other scenarios requiring remote or automatic control to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the system.

[0003] Existing pneumatic actuators have two operating modes: double-acting and single-acting. Double-acting actuators can be converted to single-acting actuators by adding a spring baffle inside the actuator cylinder. However, the outer casing needs to be disassembled to install the spring baffle, making the switching of operating modes cumbersome.

[0004] Therefore, to address the problem that existing pneumatic actuators have two operating modes, double-acting and single-acting, and that switching between operating modes is cumbersome, a new pneumatic actuator can be designed. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problem that existing pneumatic actuators have two operating modes, double-acting and single-acting, and that switching between operating modes is cumbersome.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a pneumatic actuator, including an actuator body; and a lead screw. Cover plates are installed on both the left and right sides of the actuator body. A bracket is fixed on each of the two cover plates. A lead screw is threadedly connected to each of the two brackets. A bearing is installed at one end of the lead screw. A sealing disc is installed on the bearing. The sealing disc is adapted to the cover plate. A spring baffle is fixed on the sealing disc. A rotating component is installed at the other end of the lead screw. A positioning mechanism is provided on the sealing disc. Locking mechanisms are provided on both the front and rear sides of the cover plate.

[0007] Preferably, by setting a lead screw, when the lead screw is rotated, the lead screw can move left and right on the bracket, thereby driving the sealing disc at its front end to move synchronously. The sealing disc drives the spring baffle to move. When double-acting operation is required, the spring baffle can be moved to the outside of the actuator body until it enters the groove of the cover plate. When single-acting operation is required, the spring baffle can be moved to the inside of the actuator body until the sealing disc and the groove of the cover plate are engaged. This realizes the rapid switching between double-acting and single-acting modes, thereby solving the problem that the existing pneumatic actuators have two operating modes, double-acting and single-acting, and the switching between operating modes is relatively cumbersome.

[0008] Preferably, the rotating assembly includes a knob and a slot; the end of the lead screw is fitted with a knob, and the knob has a slot, which is hexagonal.

[0009] Preferably, the positioning mechanism includes a limiting component and a blocking component, wherein the limiting component is used to limit the movement direction of the spring baffle, and the blocking component is used to limit the movement distance of the spring baffle.

[0010] Preferably, the limiting assembly includes limiting holes and limiting rods; two limiting holes are opened through each of the two brackets, and two limiting rods are fixed on each of the two sealing discs, with the limiting rods slidably connected to the corresponding limiting holes.

[0011] Preferably, the blocking assembly includes a limiting disk; the end of the limiting rod is fixed to the limiting disk, and the diameter of the limiting disk is larger than the diameter of the limiting hole.

[0012] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a fixing component and a locking component, wherein the fixing component is used to position the spring baffle, and the locking component is used to lock the fixing component.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing component includes a fixing plate, a screw, and a stop; fixing plates are installed on both the front and rear sides of the two cover plates, and screws are rotatably connected to both fixing plates, with stopes fixed on the screws.

[0014] Preferably, the locking assembly includes a locating nut; a locating nut is provided on the outside of the screw, and the screw is fixed to the fixing plate by the locating nut.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] By setting a lead screw structure to drive the spring baffle to move flexibly within the cylinder, the double-acting and single-acting modes can be quickly switched without disassembling the cover plate, significantly improving work efficiency. Compared with the traditional actuator that requires disassembly and adjustment, this solution is more convenient to operate, reduces downtime for maintenance, and lowers the risk of human error. In addition, the mode switching process does not require additional tools or complicated steps, enhancing the practicality and adaptability of the equipment. It is especially suitable for gas systems that require frequent switching of operating conditions, ensuring stable operation while optimizing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the lead screw of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the spring baffle of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the bracket of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the locking mechanism of this utility model.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Actuator body; 2. Cover plate; 3. Bracket; 4. Lead screw; 5. Bearing; 6. Sealing plate; 7. Spring baffle; 81. Limiting hole; 82. Limiting rod; 83. Limiting plate; 91. Knob; 92. Slot; 101. Fixing plate; 102. Screw; 103. Stop; 104. Positioning nut. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] In the intricate network of gas pipelines, the precise opening and closing of gas valves ensures the safe flow of the city's energy lifeline. The key to achieving this often lies hidden in unassuming devices: pneumatic actuators. Like the "muscles" and "nerves" of gas valves, they convert the invisible energy of compressed air into precise mechanical movement, ensuring that each gas valve faithfully performs its function when needed. Especially in the gas industry, where safety requirements are extremely high, these compressed air-powered actuators, due to their inherent safety, rapid response, and reliable structure, have become an indispensable force for automation in industrial processes.

[0025] The core appeal of pneumatic actuators lies in the inherent safety of their power source. Compressed air itself poses no risk of combustion or explosion, making it a natural fit for flammable and explosive gas environments. This completely avoids potential disasters caused by electrical sparks, a crucial factor in the critical stages of gas transportation, storage, and use. Simultaneously, it boasts superior power performance: robust structure, high output force, and rapid action, handling everything from emergency shut-off of large-diameter pipelines to quick response to dispatch commands with ease. Its simple design philosophy brings convenience in maintenance and environmental adaptability, ensuring stable operation even in harsh conditions such as high temperatures, low temperatures, or humidity. When combined with a valve body, through linear stroke (e.g., pushing the valve stem of a gate valve up and down) or rotary stroke (e.g., driving a ball valve to rotate 90 degrees), the pneumatic actuator precisely controls the on / off state and flow rate of gas, becoming an indispensable terminal actuator in automated control loops.

[0026] Delving into their internal working mechanisms, pneumatic actuators are mainly divided into two types based on their driving method: double-acting and single-acting, each carrying different safety missions. A double-acting actuator acts like a meticulous guardian requiring bidirectional commands. Both sides of its cylinder rely on compressed air to complete their working cycle. When a control signal guides compressed air into one end of the cylinder, the resulting pressure pushes a piston or rack, thereby driving the valve to open or close. Conversely, when the valve needs to reverse its action, compressed air is introduced into the other end of the cylinder, pushing the piston or rack back. This mode relies entirely on a continuous air supply to maintain the valve position. Its advantages lie in its balanced and stable output torque and fast response speed, making it particularly suitable for gas applications requiring frequent adjustments or precise position control, such as pressure regulating valve control requiring fine flow adjustment. However, if the gas supply is unexpectedly interrupted or a system malfunction causes a loss of pressure, the double-acting actuator will lose its ability to maintain the valve position and may remain in an uncertain state. This poses a potential risk for gas emergency shut-off systems that require "fail-safe" operation.

[0027] At this point, the design concept of the single-acting actuator highlights its unique "fail-safe" value. It typically combines the reset force of a mechanical spring with the driving force of compressed air. When compressed air is introduced into the cylinder to overcome the spring preload, the piston moves and drives the valve to its operating position (e.g., open). Once the gas supply pressure is lost (whether due to planned shutdown, pipeline rupture, or system failure), the built-in powerful spring immediately releases its stored energy, automatically driving the valve back to a preset safe position (usually the emergency shut-off state). This "automatic reset upon gas loss" characteristic is one of the core requirements of gas safety systems, ensuring that in extreme situations, such as when a fire damages the control gas circuit, critical valves can automatically cut off the gas supply, preventing the spread of disaster. Therefore, single-acting actuators are the preferred solution for emergency shut-off valves (ESDs), critical vent valves, and any valves that must be in a safe position after failure in gas pipeline networks, serving as the last reliable line of defense for gas safety. Of course, the long-term fatigue of the spring, the larger space occupied, and the asymmetry of the output torque at both ends of the stroke are inherent considerations.

[0028] To perfectly achieve these functions, a complete pneumatic actuator system is far more complex than just the actuator itself. It typically includes: an air supply processing unit (filters remove moisture, oil, and impurities from the air; pressure reducing valves stabilize the air supply pressure; and lubricators provide necessary lubrication for moving parts); core control valves (solenoid valves switch the air path direction based on electrical signals, crucial for single / double-acting control; positioners precisely convert weak control electrical signals into air pressure signals, enabling accurate adjustment of valve opening); position feedback devices (limit switches indicate fully open / fully closed; valve position transmitters provide continuous position signals); and necessary piping accessories (fittings, silencers, etc.). In single-acting actuators used in gas applications, a special three-way solenoid valve is often configured to ensure rapid venting of the air path in the event of power or air loss, allowing the spring to reliably return to its original position. Furthermore, a robust weatherproof housing and special lubricating grease adapted to low-temperature environments ensure long-term reliable operation in harsh gas environments.

[0029] With the advancement of intelligent technology, pneumatic actuators for gas valves are also continuously evolving. The widespread adoption of intelligent positioners has brought diagnostic and predictive maintenance capabilities, enabling the monitoring of actuator performance, friction changes, air consumption, and other parameters to provide early warnings of potential faults. Modular design concepts make installation, commissioning, and maintenance more convenient and efficient. The integration of bus communication technology allows actuators to become nodes in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), enabling richer data interaction and remote advanced management. Safety Instrumented System (SASS) certified actuator designs provide the highest level of safety integrity assurance for gas pipeline networks. Special designs, such as fire-retardant coatings, ensure that actuators can still perform critical emergency shut-off actions even under extreme fire conditions.

[0030] In the invisible yet crucial energy network of natural gas, pneumatic actuators, with their unique reliability, safety, and automation capabilities, silently safeguard the safe opening and closing of every valve. Whether it's the stable performance of double-acting mode in precise regulation or the safety guarantee provided by the "self-locking upon gas loss" in single-acting mode during emergency shutdown, they collectively form the cornerstone of automation and the safety defense line of the natural gas transmission and distribution system. With technological iteration and improved intelligence, pneumatic actuators will continue to safeguard the efficient operation of the natural gas artery and the stable tranquility of countless homes with even more intelligent, reliable, and safer performance, becoming an indispensable and loyal guardian in the process of industrial automation. Every precise action maintains the safety and stability of the energy lifeline upon which modern cities depend.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-5This utility model provides an embodiment of a pneumatic actuator, including an actuator body 1 and a lead screw 4. Cover plates 2 are installed on both sides of the actuator body 1, and brackets 3 are fixed to both cover plates 2. Lead screws 4 are threadedly connected to both brackets 3. A bearing 5 is installed at one end of the lead screw 4, and a sealing disc 6 is installed on the bearing 5. The sealing disc 6 is adapted to the cover plate 2, and a spring baffle 7 is fixed on the sealing disc 6. A rotating assembly is installed at the other end of the lead screw 4, and a positioning mechanism is provided on the sealing disc 6. Locking mechanisms are provided on both the front and rear sides. The screw 4 is rotated to drive the screw 6 to move axially along the bracket 3. The sealing disc 6 connected to the front end of the screw 4 moves synchronously and drives the spring baffle 7 to move axially. When it is necessary to switch to the double-acting mode, the spring baffle 7 is pushed outward until it is fully embedded in the groove of the cover plate 2. When switching to the single-acting mode, the spring baffle 7 is pushed inward so that the sealing disc 6 and the groove of the cover plate 2 form a sealing fit. This structure realizes the rapid switching of the actuator body 1 between the single-acting and double-acting modes.

[0032] Please see Figures 1-4 In this embodiment, the rotating assembly includes a knob 91 and a slot 92; a knob 91 is installed at the end of the lead screw 4, and a slot 92 is provided on the knob 91. The slot 92 is hexagonal. By setting the hexagonal slot 92, the operator can rotate the knob 91 with a hex screwdriver, which improves convenience. The positioning mechanism includes a limit component and a blocking component. The limit component is used to limit the movement direction of the spring baffle 7, and the blocking component is used to limit the movement distance of the spring baffle 7. The limit component includes a limit hole 81 and a limit rod 82; two limit holes 81 are provided through the two brackets 3, and the two sealing discs 6 are... Two limiting rods 82 are fixed in each part. The limiting rods 82 are slidably connected to the corresponding limiting holes 81. By setting the limiting holes 81 and the limiting rods 82, when the sealing disc 6 moves, the limiting rods 82 slide along the limiting holes 81, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the sealing disc 6. The blocking component includes a limiting disc 83. The end of the limiting rod 82 is fixed with the limiting disc 83. The diameter of the limiting disc 83 is larger than the diameter of the limiting hole 81. By setting the limiting disc 83, the movement distance of the spring baffle 7 inside the cylinder of the actuator body 1 can be limited. When the limiting disc 83 is in contact with the bracket 3, the sealing disc 6 can be just inserted into the groove of the cover plate 2.

[0033] Please see Figures 2-5In this embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a fixing component and a locking component. The fixing component is used to position the spring baffle 7, and the locking component is used to lock the fixing component. The fixing component includes a fixing plate 101, a screw 102, and a stop block 103. Fixing plates 101 are installed on both the front and rear sides of the two cover plates 2. Screws 102 are rotatably connected to both fixing plates 101, and stop blocks 103 are fixed on the screws 102. By setting the stop blocks 103, when used in a dual-action configuration, the spring baffle 7 moves to the cover plate. The screw 102 is rotated inside the slot of plate 2, so that the stop block 103 fits against the spring baffle 7 and is positioned to prevent the spring baffle 7 from being impacted and contracted during gas injection. The locking assembly includes a positioning nut 104. The positioning nut 104 is provided on the outside of the screw 102. The screw 102 is fixed to the fixing plate 101 by the positioning nut 104. By setting the positioning nut 104 and rotating the positioning nut 104, the screw 102 can be locked onto the fixing plate 101.

[0034] When it is necessary to switch the actuator's operating mode, the operator uses a hex screwdriver to insert into the hexagonal slot 92 of the knob 91 and rotates the knob 91. The knob 91 drives the lead screw 4 to rotate. Since the lead screw 4 is threadedly connected to the bracket 3, the lead screw 4 will move left or right while rotating. The movement of the lead screw 4 pushes the sealing disc 6 to move synchronously through the bearing 5 at its end. The sealing disc 6 drives the spring baffle 7 fixed on it to move together. During the movement, the limiting rod 82 on the sealing disc 6 slides along the limiting hole 81 on the bracket 3 to ensure stable movement. When the limiting disc 83 at the end of the limiting rod 82 contacts the bracket 3, the movement reaches its maximum. To switch to the double-acting mode, move the spring baffle 7 outward until it is fully inserted into the groove of the cover plate 2. At this time, rotate the screw 102 on the fixing plate 101 so that the stop block 103 on the screw 102 presses the spring baffle 7 for positioning. Finally, tighten the positioning nut 104 on the outside of the screw 102 to lock the screw 102 onto the fixing plate 101 to prevent the spring baffle 7 from contracting under air pressure. To switch to the single-acting mode, move the spring baffle 7 into the interior of the actuator body 1 until the sealing disc 6 is tightly fitted with the groove of the cover plate 2. Through the above operations, the rapid switching between double-acting and single-acting operation modes can be achieved.

[0035] Through the above steps, when the lead screw 4 rotates, its thread engages with the bracket 3 to generate axial displacement, which drives the sealing disc 6 and spring baffle 7 connected at the front end to move synchronously. In the double-acting mode, the operator can push the spring baffle 7 outward by rotating the lead screw 4 until it is fully engaged in the groove of the cover plate 2. In the single-acting mode, the reverse operation is performed to make the sealing disc 6 and the groove of the cover plate 2 form a sealing fit. This mechanical linkage design allows the actuator body 1 to quickly switch working modes by simply adjusting the lead screw 4, thereby solving the problem that the existing pneumatic actuators are divided into two working modes, double-acting and single-acting, and the switching between working modes is relatively cumbersome.

Claims

1. A pneumatic actuator, comprising an actuator body (1); characterized in that: It also includes a lead screw (4), and cover plates (2) are installed on both the left and right sides of the actuator body (1). A bracket (3) is fixed on both cover plates (2), and a lead screw (4) is threaded onto both brackets (3). A bearing (5) is installed on one end of the lead screw (4), and a sealing disc (6) is installed on the bearing (5). The sealing disc (6) is adapted to the cover plate (2), and a spring baffle (7) is fixed on the sealing disc (6). A rotating component is installed on the other end of the lead screw (4), and a positioning mechanism is provided on the sealing disc (6). Locking mechanisms are provided on both the front and rear sides of the cover plate (2).

2. The pneumatic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating assembly includes a knob (91) and a slot (92); the end of the lead screw (4) is equipped with a knob (91), and the knob (91) has a slot (92) which is hexagonal.

3. The pneumatic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism includes a limit component and a blocking component. The limit component is used to limit the movement direction of the spring baffle (7), and the blocking component is used to limit the movement distance of the spring baffle (7).

4. The pneumatic actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting assembly includes a limiting hole (81) and a limiting rod (82); two limiting holes (81) are opened through each of the two brackets (3), and two limiting rods (82) are fixed on each of the two sealing discs (6). The limiting rods (82) are slidably connected to the corresponding limiting holes (81).

5. The pneumatic actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The blocking assembly includes a limiting disk (83); the end of the limiting rod (82) is fixed with the limiting disk (83), and the diameter of the limiting disk (83) is larger than the diameter of the limiting hole (81).

6. The pneumatic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a fixing component and a locking component. The fixing component is used to position the spring baffle (7), and the locking component is used to lock the fixing component.

7. The pneumatic actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixing assembly includes a fixing plate (101), a screw (102) and a stop (103); the front and rear sides of the two cover plates (2) are both equipped with fixing plates (101), and the two fixing plates (101) are rotatably connected with screws (102), and the screws (102) are fixed with stop (103).

8. The pneumatic actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking assembly includes a positioning nut (104); the positioning nut (104) is provided on the outside of the screw (102), and the screw (102) is fixed to the fixing plate (101) by the positioning nut (104).

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