Actuator for a hydraulic control valve

Abstract

Actuator for a hydraulic control valve comprising: a. at least one drive, b. at least one eccentrically mounted gear, c. at least one further internally toothed gear, d. at least one mount for the drive torque e. an output shaft and f. a base plate, characterized in that the drive is arranged in such a way that it is eccentric, wherein the output shaft is arranged centrally in the base plate of the actuator and is thus offset from the drive.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuator for a hydraulic control valve (in the context of the invention also called mixer motor or actuator) for mixing preferably liquid heat transfer media, in particular water, in a heating circuit.

[0002] Actuators or mixer motors are an important component of heating systems when it comes to regulating the temperature of heat-carrying fluids. A mixer motor is responsible for maintaining a specific temperature in the heating circuit. Typically, the mixer motor mixes the warm water from the boiler's flow with the colder water from the return until the set temperature is reached. The mixing ratio of cold and hot water is changed by turning a slide. This slide can be adjusted either manually using a lever or automatically by an actuator motor. A further distinction is generally made between a three-way mixer and a four-way mixer. In a three-way mixer, cooler return water is mixed with the warm water, thereby reducing the temperature in the heating flow. The three-way mixer has no influence on the return temperature.In a four-way mixer, however, not only is the flow temperature of the heating system lowered, but the return temperature is also raised. In order to automatically adjust such temperatures, mixer motors are mounted on three- or four-way valves, which then adjust a control slide via a motor and mix the corresponding heat transfer media together.

[0003] Such a mixer motor is disclosed, among others, in DE1902532A. The mixer motors must offer a high gear ratio in a small installation space, as well as precise control of moving parts and positioning accuracy. The resulting gear arrangement usually results in the problem that the mixer motor is not mounted centrally on the valves, either because the output drive is not located centrally in the base body or because the mixer motor must be dimensioned larger to position the output drive centrally in the base plate. This has the disadvantage that the valve mounting elements are difficult to reach once the mixer motor is mounted on the valve. This complicates repairs and maintenance and usually requires the removal of the mixer motor.

[0004] The object is therefore to provide a device that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a mixer motor that has a compact design, an output drive arranged centrally in the base body, and at least the same level of efficiency as the previous prior art.

[0005] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a device according to the independent claims 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. A first aspect of the invention relates to an actuator for a hydraulic control valve comprising at least the following components: - at least one drive, - at least one eccentrically mounted gear, - at least one further internally toothed gear, - at least one mount for the drive torque, - an output shaft and - a base plate,

[0006] Advantageously, the actuator according to the invention allows its output to be arranged centrally in the base plate, achieving the most compact design possible. In the context of the invention, "compact design" refers to the external dimensions of the device. External dimensions refer to the height, width, and length of the actuator or mixer motor.

[0007] According to the invention, the mixer motor has a drive that is responsible for the torque transmitted to the gears. Furthermore, the drive is arranged offset from the output in the mixer motor. An additional gear set is arranged on the drive to reduce the torque and speed of the motor with minimal losses.

[0008] The actuator according to the invention expediently has at least one additional gear with an eccentric bearing, which transmits the torque of the drive to the output. Together with the drive and output, this creates a gear arrangement.

[0009] According to the invention, the actuator comprises a gear arrangement that offers a high gear ratio while maintaining a compact design. This reduces the speed of the input to the output and increases the torque.

[0010] In the context of the invention, a high gear ratio is understood to mean a gear ratio of at least 1000:1, preferably of at least 2000:1.

[0011] According to the invention, the invention comprises at least one internally toothed gear, which in some embodiments is a ring gear. This internally toothed gear is held in a radial direction in some embodiments or is freely rotatable in a radial direction. The radial direction refers to the rotational or circumferential direction of the rotatable components arranged in the actuator according to the invention. Furthermore, the eccentrically mounted gear meshes eccentrically with the internally toothed gear.

[0012] The component "base plate" refers to the side of the device that has the output of the actuator and corresponds to the side facing the valve. The base plate is located opposite the side of the actuator according to the invention, which has an adjustment unit for adjusting the valves. Arranged axially above the base plate, the actuator according to the invention has, in some embodiments, an upper part on which, among other things, the adjustment unit is arranged. In the context of the invention, "axial direction" or "height" means the extension of the actuator according to the invention from the base plate located below and the cover arranged above it.

[0013] According to the invention, the base plate has a central output, which advantageously has a connection for the valves. Advantageously, this allows all fastening elements of the valves to be easily reached using additional tools. The rotation of the output shaft defines the adjustment travel and, in the context of the invention, is specified in angular degrees. A further distinction is made between automatic and manual operation. In automatic operation, the valves are adjusted via a drive, which is described in more detail in the embodiments. In manual operation, the valves are adjusted manually via the actuator according to the invention. It is expedient for at least one gear to be connected to the central output shaft.

[0014] Advantageously, the actuator has a coupling that allows the valves located on the output shaft to be manually adjusted. For this purpose, some embodiments feature a lever or rotary switch on the upper side of the actuator, which allows the volume flow of the heat transfer fluid to be adjusted.

[0015] Advantageously, the gear arrangement according to the invention allows for a significant reduction in the component dimensions of the actuator in terms of height, width, and length, by 1% to 60% compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the actuator according to the invention allows for an increase in torque at the output of 15% to 60% compared to the prior art.

[0016] In embodiments, the drive has a speed between 200 rpm and 1000 rpm. In preferred embodiments, the drive has a speed of 500 rpm.

[0017] In some embodiments, a pinion is connected to the drive shaft. In special designs, a worm is connected to the drive.

[0018] In some embodiments, the actuator drive is an electric motor. In some embodiments, the electric motor is controlled via a circuit board having buttons that, when triggered, open the circuit and interrupt the power supply. This happens when the output has been moved more than 90° in the direction of rotation. In some embodiments, the output shaft has a radial elevation the height of the buttons, which triggers the buttons. According to the invention, the elevations are at an angle of 90° to one another. In some embodiments, the push buttons signal that the end position of the adjustment travel has been reached. In other embodiments, when the push buttons are pressed, the circuit is closed and the drive is supplied with power. Until a depression is reached by turning the output shaft, which opens the push button and thus also interrupts the circuit and the power supply.Advantageously, the recesses are at a 90° angle to each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, the output shaft has end stops that limit the travel on both sides. In some embodiments, the output shaft has a radial travel range between 45° and 180°. In preferred embodiments, the output shaft has a radial travel range of 90°.

[0020] In some embodiments, the torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft via a cycloidal gear. In preferred embodiments, the torque is transmitted from the input to the output via a cycloidal gear. The ring gear is held in place during adjustment and does not rotate.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cycloidal gear comprises a drive shaft that is in direct contact with an eccentrically mounted gear. In some embodiments, the eccentrically mounted gear has an eccentric sleeve on which a cycloidal gear / disk is arranged.

[0022] This cycloidal gear is in direct contact with the output shaft and the ring gear. The ring gear is held in place during automatic adjustment and does not rotate. Due to the eccentric deflection of the cycloidal gear and the fixed ring gear, the output rotates at a lower speed than the input via the cycloidal gear.

[0023] In some embodiments, the clutch is designed as a claw clutch that engages the gear with the largest diameter. In some embodiments, this gear is a ring gear. In some embodiments, the clutch is operated manually via an adjustment unit. In some embodiments, the clutch is mounted axially displaceably in the actuator. In some embodiments, the clutch is electrically controlled. In some embodiments, the clutch is designed as an articulated, freewheel, clamping ring, compensating, multi-disk, slip, or rigid clutch. In some embodiments, the actuator according to the invention does not have a clutch.

[0024] In some embodiments, the adjustment unit is a lever. In particular embodiments, it is a circular rotary switch. If no clutch is present in further embodiments, the actuator does not have an adjustment unit. In some embodiments, the adjustment unit is detachably mounted on the actuator according to the invention. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the adjustment unit indicates the position of the drive shaft in the radial direction.

[0025] In some embodiments, the output shaft advantageously has a valve adapter for arranging the actuator on the valves. In a particular embodiment, the output shaft is configured such that it has a design that allows direct arrangement to the valves without the need for an additional valve adapter.

[0026] In some embodiments, the output shaft has a torque between at least 5 and 20 Nm. In preferred embodiments, the output shaft has a torque of at least 10 Nm. In some embodiments, the output shaft has a speed between 0.05 rpm and 0.2 rpm. In preferred embodiments, the mixer motor according to the invention has a speed of 0.1 rpm. As a result, the gear arrangement according to the invention achieves a gear ratio of at least 1000:1; in preferred embodiments, a gear ratio of at least 4947:1 is achieved.

[0027] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated and described, but also encompasses all embodiments having the same effect within the meaning of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the specifically described combinations of features, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed as a whole, provided that the individual features are not mutually exclusive or a specific combination of individual features is not explicitly excluded.

[0028] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment relates to an actuator for mixing heat transfer fluids, in particular water, and is intended to describe the invention without limiting it.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail with the aid of drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator according to the invention with the cycloidal gear. Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of the actuator according to the invention with the cycloidal gear.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows, in one exemplary embodiment, a perspective exploded view of the actuator according to the invention with a cycloidal gear. A lever (1) is arranged on the housing cover (3), with which the valve position can also be adjusted manually. In addition, a scale (2) is arranged on the housing cover (3), which shows the adjustment range of the lever. In order to adjust the lever (1) manually, the claw clutch (12), which holds the ring gear (19), must first be released from the ring gear. This is done by pressing a push button (4), which actuates another lever (5) and at least two compression springs (10), thereby pulling the claw clutch (12) upwards so that the ring gear (19) can now rotate freely. In automatic mode, the claw clutch (12) holds the ring gear (19) so that it cannot rotate. The radial adjustment path of the output shaft (18) is limited by the push buttons (28) attached to the circuit board (6).In this embodiment, the push buttons are arranged at an angle of 90° to one another. This limits the adjustment travel of the output shaft (18) in the radial direction to 90°. The circuit board is mounted axially on the housing center section (9). The drive for automatic operation is realized by an electric motor (7). The drive shaft of the electric motor (7) with mounted motor pinion (8) is followed by a gear set (11). The gear set (11) is mounted axially on a bearing plate (13). The gear set (11) engages with the gear on the eccentric sleeve (16). The cycloidal gear (17) is arranged on the eccentric sleeve (16) adjoining the gear. The cycloidal gear, in turn, is in direct contact with the output shaft (18) via pins. For this purpose, bores are provided in the radial direction along the entire circumference of the cycloid wheel, which accommodate the pins of the output shaft (18).The ring gear (19) is arranged around the cycloidal gear and is held in place by the claw clutch (12) in automatic mode. In automatic mode, the electric motor with the mounted motor pinion (8) drives the gear set (11). The pinion of gear set (11) in turn drives the gear with the eccentric sleeve (16). The cycloidal gear (17) arranged on it is deflected by the eccentric sleeve and brings the teeth of the cycloidal gear (17) with the number of teeth z=64 into engagement at the highest point with the fixed ring gear (19) with the number of teeth z=65. This creates a gear ratio of 1 tooth per one revolution of the gear with the eccentric sleeve (16). The cycloidal gear (17) rotates in the opposite direction to the gear (16) arranged on the eccentric sleeve. The output shaft (18) has pins that engage with the holes in the cycloidal gear. Rotation of the cycloidal gear (17) also causes the output shaft (18) to rotate.The rotational speed of the latter two components is equal. The cycloidal gear (17) exhibits a wobbling motion during rotation. This wobbling motion is converted into a uniform rotary motion by the bores (31) in the cycloidal gear (17), into which the pins of the output shaft engage. The actuator terminates in the lower housing section (20). The housing sections (3, 9, 20) are connected to each other by means of screws.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view (AA) of the actuator according to the invention with a cycloidal gear in one embodiment. The position of the section (AA) is shown in the bottom left of the Fig.This is illustrated in the reduced plan view of the actuator according to the invention shown in Figure 2. The gearwheel with the adjoining eccentric sleeve (16) is mounted radially by a needle roller (14) and axially by plastic rollers (15). Advantageously, a valve adapter (21) is arranged on the output shaft (18), which allows the actuator according to the invention to be easily arranged on the valves. Pressing the push button (4) pulls the claw coupling (12) upward. Reference symbol 1 lever 2 scale 3 lid housing 4 push button 5 lever for the push button 6 circuit boards 7 Electric motor 8 motor pinions 9 Middle part of the housing 10 compression springs 11 Wheel set 12 Clutch (claw clutch) 13 bearing plate 14 needle roller 15 plastic rolls 16 Gear with adjoining eccentric sleeve 17 Cycloidal wheel 18 Output shaft 19 Ring gear 20 Housing base 21 valve adapters 22 deep groove ball bearings 28 push buttons 31 holes on the cycloid wheel QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 1902532A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Actuator for a hydraulic control valve comprising: a. at least one drive, b. at least one eccentrically mounted gear, c. at least one further internally toothed gear, d. at least one mount for the drive torque e. an output shaft and f. a base plate, characterized by that the drive is designed in such a way that it is eccentric, with the output shaft being arranged centrally in the base plate of the actuator and thus offset from the drive. [2] Actuator for a hydraulic control valve according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one gear in the gear structure has an eccentric bearing. [3] Actuator for a hydraulic control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the eccentrically mounted gear engages eccentrically with the internally toothed gear. [4] Actuator for a hydraulic control valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one gear is connected to the central output shaft. [5] Actuator for a hydraulic control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transmission design according to the invention achieves a high transmission ratio from input to output, while at the same time being compact. [6] Use of an actuator for a hydraulic control valve according to one of claims 1 to 5.

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