Actuator for automation technology

Abstract

Actuator (1) of automation technology comprising: a housing (10) with a housing wall (11) and at least one housing chamber (12); a hand drive (20) with a handwheel (21) and a hand drive shaft (22); wherein the handwheel is arranged at least partially on an outer side (13) of the housing, wherein the actuator (1) has at least one signal generator (50), each of which is configured to generate a signal sequence, which signal sequence carries information regarding a state of the actuator, further comprising an output (30) with an output shaft (31) arranged to transmit a torque or a force to a fitting such as a valve or a slide characterized by that the at least one signal generator (50) is configured to transmit the signal sequence to the handwheel (21), wherein the handwheel (21) is configured to transmit the signal sequence to an environment (14) of the housing (10) or to provide it to the environment, and that the actuator (1) has an electric motor (70), which electric motor (70) is arranged in one of the at least one housing chamber (12) and is designed to transmit a torque to the output (30), in particular via a gear (40), wherein the actuator (1) has an electronic operating circuit (80) which is designed to operate the electric motor (70) and to control at least one signal generator (50) of the at least one signal generator (50).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuator for automation technology with a manual drive. Such actuators are known, for example, from DE 10 2004 048 366 A1. Typically, they have a manual drive for manually actuating a valve. A gear, which is arranged in a housing of the actuator, transmits a torque between the manual drive and an output drive, with the output drive converting the torque of the gear into a torque or force for actuating the valve.

[0002] Some of these actuators also have an electric motor and operating electronics for automated valve operation.

[0003] From JP 2015-102 533 A, a device for detecting torque deviations for a handle and a valve device is previously known, which detects a torque deviation when tightening a handle of a manual valve.

[0004] From US 2017 / 0 219 119 A1 a system and a method for providing operator feedback is already known, wherein the operator feedback relates to a manual actuation of valves.

[0005] It is often of interest to the user to obtain information about a condition, such as an operating state. Solutions known in the art include through-holes in a housing wall for signal transmission. However, this increases manufacturing costs and can lead to undesirable sealing problems.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a simple and robust actuator which requires fewer manufacturing steps and reduces sealing problems.

[0007] The object is achieved by an actuator according to independent claim 1 and by a use of an actuator according to independent claim 15.

[0008] An actuator according to the invention in automation technology comprises a housing with a housing wall and at least one housing chamber; a hand drive with a handwheel and a hand drive shaft; an output having an output shaft configured to transmit torque or force to a fitting such as a valve or gate; a gear mechanism configured to transmit torque from the manual drive shaft to the output, the gear mechanism comprising a plurality of toothed parts, such as gears or worms, and toothed part bearings associated with the toothed parts, such as gear shafts or gear axles; wherein the gear, manual drive shaft and output are each arranged at least partially in the at least one housing chamber of the housing, wherein the handwheel is arranged at least partially on an outer side of the housing, wherein the actuator has at least one signal generator, each of which is configured to generate a signal sequence, which signal sequence carries information regarding a state of the actuator, where the at least one signal generator is configured to transmit the signal sequence to the handwheel, wherein the handwheel is configured to transmit the signal sequence to an environment of the housing or to provide it to the environment.

[0009] In this way, the creation of additional housing openings for signal transmission can be avoided.

[0010] The signal sequence comprises a sequence of signals, each characterized by a signal level. A signal sequence can also consist of a single signal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the signal sequence is an optical, vibratory or acoustic signal sequence.

[0012] The signal generator can, for example, comprise the following: at least one LED for generating optical signal sequences, at least one piezo element for generating acoustic or vibratory signal sequences, at least one coil with a magnet for generating vibratory signal sequences.

[0013] For the purposes of the invention, "optical" can also include near-infrared, or anything that can be described by ray optics within the scope of the application. However, "optical" can also be limited to visible light. "Acoustic" can also include ultrasound, but can also be limited to audible frequencies.

[0014] Signal levels of signals in a signal sequence can differ in amplitude, phase or frequency.

[0015] The signal sequence can be designed to be readable or interpretable by humans and / or technical devices such as a smartphone.

[0016] In one embodiment, the signal generator is arranged in one of the at least one housing chamber, or wherein the signal generator is arranged in a lumen or bore of the hand drive shaft or the handwheel.

[0017] The arrangement of the signal generator therefore does not require any additional through-opening in the housing chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the handwheel and the manual drive shaft are designed to be optically or acoustically transparent, at least in sections, wherein the signal generator is configured to couple the signal sequence into the hand drive shaft in order to transmit the signal sequence to the handwheel.

[0019] In this way, the signal generator can be arranged in a housing chamber.

[0020] In one embodiment, the signal generator is configured to couple the signal sequence into the manual drive shaft via a lateral surface of the manual drive shaft.

[0021] Typically, a hand drive shaft has an uneven surface for other functional reasons, so that the signal sequence reaches the handwheel after one or more reflections. However, the surface can also have at least one designated area for redirecting the signal sequence toward the handwheel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the hand drive shaft has an optically or acoustically reflecting insert which is designed to reflect the signal sequence in the direction of the handwheel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the hand drive shaft has a first end facing away from the handwheel with a toothing, which toothing is designed to transmit a torque to the gear.

[0024] In one embodiment, one of the at least one signal sequence is a vibratory signal sequence, wherein the signal generator is configured to directly or indirectly excite the handwheel to vibrate, which vibrations are perceptible or palpable.

[0025] In one embodiment, one of the at least one signal sequence is an acoustic signal sequence, wherein the signal generator is configured to directly or indirectly excite the handwheel to acoustic vibrations.

[0026] In one embodiment, the actuator has at least one sensor device configured to detect a physical variable such as temperature or humidity in one of the at least one housing chamber, wherein at least one signal generator of the at least one signal generator is configured to provide information on a measured value of the physical quantity.

[0027] In this way, information about the status of the actuator can be provided.

[0028] In one embodiment, the actuator has an electric motor, which electric motor is arranged in a housing chamber and is designed to transmit a torque to the output, in particular via the gear, wherein the actuator has an electronic operating circuit which is configured to operate the electric motor and to control at least one of the at least one signal generator.

[0029] In this way, information about the operating status of the actuator can be provided.

[0030] In one design, the manual drive and the output are sealed to the housing wall in a watertight or explosion-proof manner.

[0031] In one embodiment, the state is one of the following: operating status; Internal housing temperature; Moisture in the housing; pressure in the housing; Error condition.

[0032] In one embodiment, the handwheel and manual drive shaft are designed as a single piece.

[0033] When using an actuator with a manual drive according to the invention, the actuator has a housing with a housing wall and at least one housing chamber; wherein the hand drive comprises a handwheel and a hand drive shaft; wherein the handwheel is arranged at least partially on an outer side of the housing, wherein the actuator has at least one signal generator, each of which is configured to generate a signal sequence, which signal sequence carries information regarding a state of the actuator, characterized by that the at least one signal generator transmits the signal sequence to the handwheel, wherein the handwheel transmits the signal sequence to an environment of the housing or provides it to the environment.

[0034] In this way, information about a condition such as an operating state can be transmitted safely and robustly to the actuator's environment.

[0035] In the following, the invention is described using exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 shows an exemplary actuator according to the invention with a manual drive according to the invention in an oblique view; Fig. 2 shows a cross section through a housing of the Fig. 1 actuator shown; Fig. 3 shows an oblique view of a section of the Fig. 1 shown actuator in the area of the manual drive; Fig. 4 outlines an exemplary structuring according to the invention of a lateral surface of a manual drive shaft.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary actuator 1 according to the invention, which has a housing 10 with a housing wall 11, a manual drive 20 with a handwheel 21, and an output 30. Actuators are used to operate fittings such as valves via the output. The output transmits a torque or a force to the fitting, with an output shaft 31, see Fig. 2, the output is rotated by a drive such as a manual drive 20 shown here. The handwheel of the manual drive is located on an outer side 13 of the housing and is designed according to the invention to transmit signal sequences which are generated by a signal generator 50 inside the housing ( Fig. 3) to an environment 14 of the actuator on the outside or to provide the signal sequence to this environment. The signal sequence comprises a sequence of signals, each characterized by a signal level. A signal sequence can also be provided by only a single signal. The signal levels of signals in a signal sequence can differ in amplitude, phase, or frequency.

[0037] In one embodiment, the signal sequence is an optical, vibratory, or acoustic signal sequence. Optical, within the meaning of the invention, can also include near-infrared, or anything that can be described by ray optics within the scope of the application. However, optical can also be limited to visible light. Acoustic, within the meaning of the invention, can also include ultrasound, but can also be limited to audible frequencies.

[0038] The signal sequence is designed to be readable and interpretable by humans and / or technical devices such as a smartphone.

[0039] For example, in an optical signal sequence, the color blue can indicate that the electric motor is running. Red can indicate a malfunction. The colors blue and red in this example each represent a signal sequence with one signal. The same applies to acoustic or vibratory signal sequences. However, signal sequences with multiple signals can also be used to transmit more extensive information. States that can be described by a signal sequence can include, for example, the operating state, internal housing temperature, humidity in the housing, pressure in the housing, and error status.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the Fig. 1. The housing 10 has a housing chamber 12 formed by the housing wall 11. As shown here, the actuator may include an electric motor 70 configured to transmit torque to the output shaft 31 of the output 30. In addition to the electric motor, the actuator may include, as shown here, an electronic operating circuit 80 configured to operate the electric motor.

[0041] The manual drive 20 is mechanically connected to the output shaft 31 via a gear 40. By actuating the handwheel 21, a manual drive shaft 22 acts on a gear part 41 of the gear via a gearing 22.3. The gear parts, such as gears or worms, of the gear are supported by gear part bearings 42, such as axles or shafts. The gearing 22.3 can be inserted into the manual drive shaft as an insert 22.2.

[0042] In one embodiment, the manual drive 20 and the output 30 are sealed with the housing wall 11 in a watertight or explosion-proof manner.

[0043] The manual drive shaft 22 can have a lumen or bore 22.4 as shown here.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows an oblique view of a section of the Fig. 1 in the area of the manual drive. According to the invention, the actuator has a signal generator 50, which signal generator is configured to transmit the signal sequence to the handwheel, wherein the handwheel is configured to transmit the signal sequence to an environment 14 on an outer side 13 of the housing or to make it available to the environment. The signal generator can, for example, have the following: at least one LED for generating optical signal sequences, at least one piezo element for generating acoustic or vibratory signal sequences, and at least one coil with a magnet for generating vibratory signal sequences. The signal generator 50 is controlled by the electronic operating circuit of the actuator, or alternatively by a sensor device 60.The sensor device can, for example, be configured to determine a temperature or humidity in the housing of the actuator and to transmit or provide status information to the environment via the signal transmitter.

[0045] The signal generator can feed signal sequences into the handwheel via the outer surface 22.1 of the handwheel drive shaft, as shown here. It can therefore be arranged in the housing chamber 12, as shown here. Handwheel drive shafts typically have non-planar outer surfaces in some sections or an internal, uneven surface in some sections, so that, for example, optical or acoustic signal sequences reach the handwheel after one or more deflections at interfaces.

[0046] The actuator can also have several such signal transmitters, which are designed, for example, to generate signal sequences of different types, such as optical and acoustic.

[0047] Alternatively, the signal transmitter can be arranged in a lumen 22.4 or bore of the hand drive shaft or handwheel.

[0048] The arrangement of the signal transmitter in the housing chamber or in the manual drive shaft or in the handwheel therefore does not require any further through-opening in the housing chamber.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 outlines an exemplary structuring 22.11 of the lateral surface 22.1 according to the invention, by means of which, for example, optical or acoustic signal sequences originating from a signal generator 50 can be deflected in the axial direction. Alternatively, the lateral surface can also be designed to be diffusely scattering in sections. List of reference symbols 1 actuator 10 housings 11 Housing wall 12 housing chamber 13 Outside 14 Surroundings 20 manual drive 21 Handwheel 22 Hand drive shaft 22.01 first end 22.1 Shell surface 22.11 Deflection structure 22.2 Use 22.3 Gearing 22.4 lumens 30 downforce 31 Output shaft 40 gearboxes 41 Gear part 42 gear parts warehouse 50 signal generators 60 sensor device 70 electric motor 80 electronic operating circuit

Claims

[1] Actuator (1) of automation technology comprising: a housing (10) with a housing wall (11) and at least one housing chamber (12); a hand drive (20) with a handwheel (21) and a hand drive shaft (22); wherein the handwheel is arranged at least partially on an outer side (13) of the housing, wherein the actuator (1) has at least one signal generator (50), each of which is configured to generate a signal sequence, which signal sequence carries information regarding a state of the actuator, further comprising an output (30) with an output shaft (31) arranged to transmit a torque or a force to a fitting such as a valve or a slide characterized by , that the at least one signal generator (50) is configured to transmit the signal sequence to the handwheel (21), wherein the handwheel (21) is configured to transmit the signal sequence to an environment (14) of the housing (10) or to provide it to the environment, and that the actuator (1) has an electric motor (70), which electric motor (70) is arranged in one of the at least one housing chamber (12) and is designed to transmit a torque to the output (30), in particular via a gear (40), wherein the actuator (1) has an electronic operating circuit (80) which is designed to operate the electric motor (70) and to control at least one signal generator (50) of the at least one signal generator (50). [2] Actuator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the signal sequence is an optical, vibratory or acoustic signal sequence. [3] Actuator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal generator (50) is arranged in one of the at least one housing chamber (12), or wherein the signal transmitter is arranged in a lumen (22.4) and / or bore of the manual drive shaft (22) or the handwheel (21). [4] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handwheel (21) and the manual drive shaft (22) are at least partially optically or acoustically transparent, wherein the signal generator (50) is configured to couple the signal sequence into the hand drive shaft (22) in order to transmit the signal sequence to the handwheel (21). [5] Actuator (1) according to claim 4, wherein the signal generator (50) is designed to couple the signal sequence into the manual drive shaft (22) via a lateral surface (22.1) of the manual drive shaft (22), [6] Actuator (1) according to claim 5, wherein the manual drive shaft (22) has an optically or acoustically reflecting insert (22.2) which is designed to reflect the signal sequence in the direction of the handwheel (21). [7] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manual drive shaft (22) has a first end (22.01) facing away from the handwheel (21) with a toothing (22.3), which toothing (22.3) is designed to transmit a torque to the gear (40). [8] Actuator (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein one of the at least one signal sequence is a vibratory signal sequence, wherein the signal generator (50) is designed to excite the handwheel (21) directly or indirectly to oscillate, which oscillations are perceptible or palpable, and / or wherein one of the at least one signal sequence is an acoustic signal sequence, wherein the signal generator (50) is configured to directly or indirectly excite the handwheel (21) to acoustic vibrations. [9] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (1) has at least one sensor device (60) configured to detect a physical quantity such as temperature or humidity in one of the at least one housing chamber (12), wherein at least one signal generator (50) of the at least one signal generator is configured to provide information on a measured value of the physical quantity. [10] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manual drive (20) and the output (30) are sealed watertight or explosion-proof with the housing wall (11). [11] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the state is one of the following: operating status; Internal housing temperature; Moisture in the housing; pressure in the housing; Error condition. [12] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handwheel (21) and the manual drive shaft (22) are designed as one piece. [13] Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a gear (40) configured to transmit a torque from the manual drive shaft to the output, the gear comprising a plurality of toothed parts (41), such as gears or worms, and toothed part bearings (42), such as gear shafts or gear axles, associated with the toothed parts; in particular wherein the gear (40), manual drive shaft (22) and output (30) are each arranged at least partially in the at least one housing chamber (12) of the housing (10). [14] Use of an actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with a manual drive (20), wherein the actuator (1) has a housing (10) with a housing wall (11) and at least one housing chamber (12); wherein the manual drive (20) has a handwheel (21) and a manual drive shaft (22); wherein the handwheel (21) is arranged at least partially on an outer side (13) of the housing (12), wherein the actuator (1) has at least one signal generator (50), each of which is configured to generate a signal sequence, which signal sequence carries information regarding a state of the actuator (1), characterized by , that the at least one signal generator (50) transmits the signal sequence to the handwheel (21), wherein the handwheel (21) transmits the signal sequence to an environment (14) of the housing (12) or provides it to the environment.

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